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Open Access 24-11-2023 | COVID-19 | Original Communication

Cerebrospinal fluid findings in patients with neurological manifestations in post-COVID-19 syndrome

Authors: Fabian Boesl, Yasemin Goereci, Ameli Gerhard, Benno Bremer, Vanessa Raeder, Finja Schweitzer, Uta Hoppmann, Janina Behrens, Judith Bellmann-Strobl, Friedemann Paul, Brigitte Wildemann, Sven Jarius, Harald Prüss, Heinrich J. Audebert, Clemens Warnke, Christiana Franke

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Information on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings in patients with neurological manifestations in post-COVID-19 syndrome is scarce.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of 84 CSF samples in patients fulfilling post-COVID-19 criteria in two neurological post-COVID-19 outpatient clinics.

Results

In 68% of samples, all CSF parameters were normal. The most frequent pathological CSF finding was elevation of total protein (median total protein 33.3 mg/dl [total range 18.5–116.2]) in 20 of 83 (24%) samples. The second most prevalent pathological finding was a blood–CSF barrier dysfunction as measured by elevation of QAlb (median QAlb 4.65 [2.4–13.2]) in 11/84 (13%). Pleocytosis was found in only 5/84 (6%) samples and was mild in all of them. CSF-restricted oligoclonal bands were found in 5/83 (6%) samples. Anti-neuronal autoantibodies in CSF were negative in most cases, whilst 12/68 (18%) samples were positive for anti-myelin autoantibodies in serum. PCR for herpesviridae (HSV-1/-2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV6) showed, if at all, only weakly positive results in CSF or EDTA whole blood/plasma.

Conclusions

The majority of samples did not show any pathologies. The most frequent findings were elevation of total protein and blood–CSF barrier dysfunction with no signs of intrathecal inflammation. CSF analysis still keeps its value for exclusion of differential diagnoses.

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Title: Cerebrospinal fluid findings in patients with neurological manifestations in post-COVID-19 syndrome
Authors: Fabian Boesl
Yasemin Goereci
Ameli Gerhard
Benno Bremer
Vanessa Raeder
Finja Schweitzer
Uta Hoppmann
Janina Behrens
Judith Bellmann-Strobl
Friedemann Paul
Brigitte Wildemann
Sven Jarius
Harald Prüss
Heinrich J. Audebert
Clemens Warnke
Christiana Franke
Publication date: 24-11-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Epstein-Barr Virus
Post-COVID Syndrome
Herpes Virus
Human Alphaherpesvirus 3
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-023-12092-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cerebrospinal fluid findings in patients with neurological manifestations in post-COVID-19 syndrome

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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