COVID-19 and the Brain: A Psychological and Resting-state fMRI Study of the Whole-brain Functional Connectivity

Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) spreads rapidly worldwide and causes severe acute respiratory syndrome. The current study aimed at evaluating the relationship between whole-brain functional connections in resting state cognitive impairments patients with COVID-19 compared that of a healthy control group. Methods: Resting-state fMRI Montreal assessment (MoCA) data were obtained from 29 stage on third day admission 20 controls. Cross-correlation mean resting-state signals was determined voxels 23 IC (Independent Components) brain neural circuits. To assess function neuropsychological status, MoCA performed all participants. rs-fMRI information, paraclinical analyzed. Results: group got lower score showed significant reduction connectivity IC14 (P <0.001) IC38 regions increase observed controls baseline default mode network (DMN) IC00 dorsal attention (DAN) IC08 regions. Furthermore, alternation mentioned ICs significantly correlated Cognitive Assessment scores inflammatory parameters-ie, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP). Conclusions: Functional abnormalities four circuits associated impairment increased markers COVID-19.