COVID-19 Effect on the Brain Revealed by New MRI Technique

An engineer from the University of Waterloo has made an innovative discovery in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that provides superior insights into the changes induced by COVID-19 in the human brain. This breakthrough surpasses numerous existing imaging technologies.

When viruses infect the central nervous system (CNS) during both the active and post-COVID-19 phases, it triggers a phenomenon known as neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation refers to inflammation in the brain, which can lead to alteration in the brain’s white matter. The research conducted using the new imaging technique demonstrates that COVID-19  affects not only the lungs but also that it has an impact on the human brain. 

Related article: CDC Calls an End to J&J’s COVID-19 Vaccine in the U.S.

New Imaging Technique Shows COVID-19 Effect on the Brain

Alexander Wong, a professor of systems design engineering, has developed an innovative imaging method called correlated diffusion imaging (CDI). Recently, CDI was applied in a ground-breaking study conducted by researchers at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute. The study aimed to identify changes in the brain caused by COVID-19. 

The research conducted at Rotman, titled “Feasibility of diffusion-tensor and correlated diffusion imaging for studying white-matter microstructural abnormalities: Application in COVID-19”, utilized the advanced imaging method, CDI. By recording and combining MRI signals at different gradient pulse strengths and timings, CDI enhances the ability to detect variations in the flow of water molecules within tissues. 

Effects on the Brain Caused by COVID-19

The imaging of frontal lobe white matter using CDI in COVID-19 patients revealed reduced transportation of water molecules. Simultaneously, the cerebellum of individuals with COVID-19 exhibited restricted diffusion of water molecules. Professor Wong highlights the distinct response of these two brain regions to COVID-19 and discusses two significant research findings. 

Firstly, there is a higher likelihood of COVID-19 affecting the human cerebellum. Additionally, the data support the idea that COVID-19 infections can induce alterations in the brain. 

The Rotman study not only uncovers diffusion abnormalities in the cerebellum’s white matter but is also one of the few studies that demonstrate the effects of COVID-19 on the brain. While the study aimed to demonstrate general changes caused by COVID-19 rather than specific damage, the final report explores various factors contributing to these alterations, many of which are associated with illness and injury. 

Wong expresses hope that these findings can improve diagnostics and therapies for COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the potential applications of CDI extend beyond COVID-19, as it could be utilized to understand degenerative processes in other diseases such as Alzheimer’s, or aid in the detection of breast or prostate cancer.

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GeneOnline Team