Category: Case Study

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for long coronavirus disease-19: a case report

Abstract:

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has resulted in a growing population of individuals who experience a wide range of persistent symptoms referred to as “long COVID.” Symptoms include neurocognitive impairment and fatigue. Two potential mechanisms could be responsible for these long-term unremitting symptoms: hypercoagulability, which increases the risk of blood vessel occlusion, and an uncontrolled continuous inflammatory response. Currently, no known treatment is available for long COVID. One of the options to reverse hypoxia, reduce neuroinflammation, and induce neuroplasticity is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In this article, we present the first case report of a previously healthy athletic individual who suffered from long COVID syndrome treated successfully with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Case presentation: A previously healthy 55-year-old Caucasian man presented 3 months after severe coronavirus disease 2019 infection with long COVID syndrome. His symptoms included a decline in memory, multitasking abilities, energy, breathing, and physical fitness. After evaluation that included brain perfusion magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, computerized cognitive tests, and cardiopulmonary test, he was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Each session included exposure to 90 minutes of 100% oxygen at 2 atmosphere absolute pressure with 5-minute air breaks every 20 minutes for 60 sessions, 5 days per week. Evaluation after completing the treatment showed significant improvements in brain perfusion and microstructure by magnetic resonance imaging and significant improvement in memory with the most dominant effect being on nonverbal memory, executive functions, attention, information procession speed, cognitive flexibility, and multitasking. The improved cognitive functions correlated with the increased cerebral blood flow in brain regions as measured by perfusion magnetic resonance imaging. With regard to physical capacity, there was a 34% increase in the maximum rate of oxygen consumed during exercise and a 44% improvement in forced vital capacity. The improved physical measurements correlated with the regain of his pre-COVID physical capacity.

Conclusions: We report the first case of successfully treated long COVID symptoms with hyperbaric oxygen therapy with improvements in cognition and cardiopulmonary function. The beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen shed additional light on the pathophysiology of long COVID. As this is a single case report, further prospective randomized control studies are needed.

Source: Bhaiyat AM, Sasson E, Wang Z, Khairy S, Ginzarly M, Qureshi U, Fikree M, Efrati S. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for long coronavirus disease-19: a case report. J Med Case Rep. 2022 Feb 15;16(1):80. doi: 10.1186/s13256-022-03287-w. PMID: 35168680; PMCID: PMC8848789. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8848789/ (Full text)

Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptom Management: A Case Report

Abstract:

Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is gaining increasing acceptance as a treatment modality for various medical conditions. It works by blocking neuronal transmissions which in turn alleviates sympathetically-driven disease processes. Many of the prolonged sequelae of long COVID are thought to be mediated by dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, and SGB is being investigated as a potential option for symptomatic management of long COVID. This case report demonstrates the efficacy of SGB in a previously healthy patient for the management of long COVID symptoms including fatigue, post-exertional malaise, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Source: Khan M H, Kirkpatrick K P, Deng Y, et al. (December 07, 2022) Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptom Management: A Case Report. Cureus 14(12): e32295. doi:10.7759/cureus.32295 https://www.cureus.com/articles/127985-stellate-ganglion-block-for-long-covid-symptom-management-a-case-report (Full text)

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Novel Diagnosis

Abstract:

Patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome have reported a wide array of symptoms that include autonomic dysfunction. It is hypothesized that this may be secondary to interruption of baroreflex pathways in the carotid arteries or nucleus tractus solitarius, however, confirming studies have yet to be performed. A limited number of studies have highlighted the presence of an exaggerated baroreflex response in patients with a post-COVID-19 syndrome that mirror other chronic autonomic dysfunction-related conditions.

Source: Kalia R, Kalia R, Musih J, Cubelo M, Popat J. Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Novel Diagnosis. Cureus. 2022 Aug 22;14(8):e28266. doi: 10.7759/cureus.28266. PMID: 36158335; PMCID: PMC9491485. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9491485/ (Full text)

Post-COVID myalgic encephalomyelitis in chronic heart disease patient: A case series

Abstract

Purpose of Study: Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also called chronic fatigue syndrome, is a condition characterized by severe fatigue that impairs a patient’s ability to perform common daily activities.

Criteria for ME include 6 months of fatigue-limited daily activities, unrefreshing sleep, and symptom exacerbation following physical or mental strain, and orthostatic intolerance.

New reports indicate that ME incidence may be higher in specific patient populations. This study was designed to investigate the association between ME and Cardiovascular disease in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection.

Methods: Used The patient population used for this study includes 19 patients that were referred to the Amarillo Heart Group in Amarillo, TX who also tested positive for Covid-19 at least 6 months prior to September 1, 2021.

The patients that fit this timeline were asked a series of standardized questions and rate the severity of their symptoms on a scale of 0 to 5, with 0 being the absence of symptoms and 5 being the most severe. Two sets of questions were created and named Life Spheres Criteria (4 questions) and Symptoms Criteria (3 questions) based on the 2015 IOM Diagnostic Criteria for CFS. Rating more than 1 Life Spheres question as a 3 or higher or rating all 3 Symptoms Criteria questions as a 3 or higher indicated Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Information from the survey, including time since infection, demographics, and question scores, were analyzed.

Summary of Results: Our study included 10 women and 10 men, with the average amount of time since Covid-19 infection being 328.17 ± 41.36 days. Worsening of symptoms with mild exertion was the most commonly endorsed criteria (3.58 ± 1.64) and the least common criterion was fatigue reducing activity in school (2.00 ± 1.94).

Women scored higher in every category except reduced activity in school when compared to men. However, there was no significant difference in symptom scores between the two groups with the Combined Fatigue Score being 2.89 ± 1.47 for women and 2.67 ± 1.59 for men.

Nearly all symptom scores significantly positively correlated with one another, meaning if one category was high it was likely for other categories to be high as well.

Ultimately, when looking at the Cumulative Pearson Correlation Scores, reduced social life, difficulty concentrating, and symptoms worsening with mild exertion were found to be most predictive of a high Combined Fatigue Score.

Conclusions: In this case series, over 80% of patients met the criteria for Post-COVID Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. While the link between ME and both COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease has been established, little is known about the severity of ME in patients who have a history of both cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 infection.

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine ME in patients with both of these predisposing conditions. A high degree of clinical suspicion for ME should be used when screening and treating cardiac patients who have been infected with COVID-19.

Source: Holder, K. G.; Vemulapalli, V.; Daines, B.; Kankam, A.; Galvan, B.; Nambiar, R. Post-COVID myalgic encephalomyelitis in chronic heart disease patient: A case series. Journal of Investigative Medicine ; 70(2):475, 2022. https://pesquisa.bvsalud.org/global-literature-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/resource/pt/covidwho-1705710

Cognitive Complications of COVID-19 Infection

Abstract:

SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a post-infectious neurocognitive syndrome characterized by fatigue and deficits in attention, memory, and executive function. As screening cognitive testing generally remains normal, the pathophysiologic basis of these symptoms remains controversial and there is no standardized treatment paradigm.

We present a clinical case demonstrative of typical neurocognitive sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting medical and social factors that may have contributed to the severity of symptoms. We discuss the pathophysiologic evidence for cognitive “brain fog” following COVID-19 infection as well as lifestyle changes and rehabilitation strategies that may improve recovery. As the benefits of pharmacologic therapy remain unproven, we close with a brief discussion of medication options that might be appropriate targets for future clinical trials in the context of rehabilitative treatment.

Source: Warren S, Drake J, Wu CK. Cognitive Complications of COVID-19 Infection. R I Med J (2013). 2022 Sep 1;105(7):27-30. PMID: 35930487. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35930487/ http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2022/09/2022-09-27-covid-warren.pdf  (Full text available as PDF file)

Improvement in Long-COVID Symptoms Using Acupuncture: A Case Study

Abstract:

Background: The long-COVID syndrome (LCS), defined by residual symptoms from acute COVID-19 for <60 days, affects about one-third of all COVID survivors and is an emerging public health challenge. Empirical data about the range of symptoms or the utility of acupuncture alone for the LCS are very limited.

Case: This observational case study of a 46-year-old male with LCS was conducted to preliminarily define the range of symptoms, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic structure, and evaluate the potential utility of prescribed acupuncture for LCS.

Results: The primary TCM diagnostic patterns from this patient’s LCS presentation included Lung Qi and Yin Deficiency, Qi and Blood Stagnation, and Spleen Qi Deficiency with dampness. Acupuncture for this patient was associated with reduced symptoms and signs of LCS.

Conclusion: A preliminary TCM diagnostic structure for LCS was defined. Acupuncture appears to have been helpful for a patient with LCS. Further research is needed to demonstrate the efficacy of acupuncture and/or other TCM modalities for LCS.

Source: Hollifield M, Cocozza K, Calloway T, Lai J, Caicedo B, Carrick K, Alpert R, Hsiao AF. Improvement in Long-COVID Symptoms Using Acupuncture: A Case Study. Med Acupunct. 2022 Jun 1;34(3):172-176. doi: 10.1089/acu.2021.0088. Epub 2022 Jun 16. PMID: 35832108; PMCID: PMC9248334. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acu.2021.0088 (Full text)

Local anesthetics as a therapeutic tool for post COVID-19 patients: A case report

Abstract:

Background: Post COVID-19 syndrome (PC-19S) appears to be independent of acute illness severity and humoral response. The involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), expressed by dysautonomia, has been hypothesized as a contributor. Several studies have associated the therapeutic effects of local anesthetics (LA) to their action on the ANS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of therapeutic injections with LA linked to clinical improvement in a patient with PC-19S.

Patient concerns and diagnoses: This was a 54-year-old-man with postCOVID-19 symptoms lasting 14 weeks, including fatigue, breathlessness, diarrhea, muscle pain, and emotional lability.

Interventions and outcome: Injections of 0.5% procaine in the stellate ganglion (SG) and sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG), and in clinically relevant points in the scalp, thorax, and abdomen were performed 3 times over 3 months. The patient reported progressive improvement and was asymptomatic upon completing the treatment. Prescribed medications were discontinued. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) score showed significant improvement across all SF-36-domains.

Conclusion: Subanesthetic doses of LA injected in clinically relevant points led to rapid and complete symptom resolution in this patient with PC-19S. Targeted LA injections may have therapeutic benefits in PC-19S and in other chronic diseases linked to stress and inflammation.

Source: Vinyes D, Muñoz-Sellart M, Caballero TG. Local anesthetics as a therapeutic tool for post COVID-19 patients: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2022 Jul 15;101(28):e29358. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000029358. PMID: 35839020. https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2022/07150/Local_anesthetics_as_a_therapeutic_tool_for_post.33.aspx (Full text)

Orthostatic intolerance as a potential contributor to prolonged fatigue and inconsistent performance in elite swimmers

Abstract:

Background: Athletic underperformance is characterized by fatigue and an inability to sustain a consistent exercise workload. We describe five elite swimmers with prolonged fatigue and athletic underperformance. Based on our work in myalgic encephalomyelitis /chronic fatigue syndrome, we focused on orthostatic intolerance as a possible contributor to symptoms.

Methods: Participants were referred for evaluation of fatigue and underperformance to the Chronic Fatigue Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. All patients were evaluated for overtraining syndrome, as well as for features commonly seen in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. The latter included joint hypermobility, orthostatic intolerance, and non-IgE mediated milk protein intolerance. Orthostatic intolerance was tested by performing a ten-minute passive standing test or a head-up tilt table test.

Results: Orthostatic testing provoked fatigue and other symptoms in all five swimmers, two of whom met heart rate criteria for postural tachycardia syndrome. Treatment was individualized, primarily consisting of an increased intake of sodium chloride and fluids to address orthostasis. All patients experienced a relatively prompt improvement in fatigue and other orthostatic symptoms and were able to either return to their expected level of performance or improve their practice consistency.

Conclusions: Orthostatic intolerance was an easily measured and treatable contributor to athletic underperformance in the five elite swimmers we describe. We suggest that passive standing tests or formal tilt table tests be incorporated into the clinical evaluation of athletes with fatigue and underperformance as well as into scientific studies of this topic. Recognition and treatment of orthostatic intolerance provides a new avenue for improving outcomes in underperforming athletes.

Source: Petracek LS, Eastin EF, Rowe IR, Rowe PC. Orthostatic intolerance as a potential contributor to prolonged fatigue and inconsistent performance in elite swimmers. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2022 Jul 23;14(1):139. doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00529-8. PMID: 35870963. https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-022-00529-8 (Full text)

Systemic exertion intolerance disease associated to neuroendocrine dysfunction and cortical atrophy: a case report

Abstract:

Background: Scarce evidence about the organic and functional abnormalities of systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID) is found in literature and the pathophysiology is still unclear.

Methods: Following the CARE Guidelines, this case report describes a patient with a 5-year history of nonspecific symptoms, lately recognized as SEID.

Results: Low serum thyroid- and adrenocorticotropic stimulating hormone levels, and 24-h urinary cortisol excretion almost twice the upper limit were detected. Computed tomography scan found significant cortical atrophy. Low-dose modafinil improved the clinical outcome, added to nonpharmacologic approach.

Conclusion: To ascertain an accurate SEID diagnosis and treatment are a challenge in daily clinical practice, that must be engaged based in clear methods and good practice recommendations. Thus, family practitioners should be aware of this diagnosis.

Source: López-Amador N. Systemic exertion intolerance disease associated to neuroendocrine dysfunction and cortical atrophy: a case report. Fam Pract. 2022 May 28:cmac060. doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmac060. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35640045. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35640045/

A case series of cutaneous phosphorylated α-synuclein in Long-COVID POTS

Dear Editors,

As case numbers of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) increase, chronic symptoms, including those of autonomic dysfunction, are being reported with increasing frequency [], leading to the diagnosis of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), or Long-COVID. In addition, small fiber neuropathy (SFN) has been reported after viral infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) []. These associations have prompted our group to systematically perform autonomic testing and skin biopsies in a cohort of patients who have developed postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) as a consequence of PASC (Long-COVID POTS). As part of this evaluation, all skin biopsy samples undergo immunohistochemical analysis of both intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and phosphorylated α-synuclein (p-syn) [], the pathological form of α-synuclein associated with the neurodegenerative diseases of Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and pure autonomic failure (PAF), as well as isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), a prodromal manifestation of synucleinopathy for the majority of patients.

Read the rest of this article HERE. 

Source: Miglis MG, Seliger J, Shaik R, Gibbons CH. A case series of cutaneous phosphorylated α-synuclein in Long-COVID POTS. Clin Auton Res. 2022 May 16:1–4. doi: 10.1007/s10286-022-00867-0. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35570247; PMCID: PMC9108014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9108014/ (Full text)