Is delirium a specific complication of viral acute respiratory distress syndrome?

Excerpt

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a high rate of delirium resulting in encephalopathy, prominent agitation, and confusion [1]. Considering neurotropism of coronaviruses, a direct central nervous system invasion resulting in encephalopathy of SARS-CoV2 is discussed [2, 3]. Recent data reported an enhancement in leptomeningeal spaces and bilateral frontotemporal hypoperfusion in SARS-CoV-2 [1]. Since delirium however might also be caused by the systemic injury in critical illness [4], it remains debatable if the high rate of delirium is specifically associated with SARS-CoV-2 or rather a common complication of viral ARDS. We therefore compared delirium in ARDS patients caused by either SARS-CoV-2 or influenza A and B viruses. …