Neuroinflammation Persists in Long COVID for 2 Years
News Context
At a glance
- This study is a significant step forward in understanding the biological basis of long COVID.
- Radiotracer Used: F-18 DPA-714 (binds to translocator protein/TSPO, a biomarker for neuroinflammation)
- Key Finding: Significantly higher binding in global grey matter in the long COVID group (0.8 ± 0.34) compared to the control group (0.65 ± 0.17,p = 0.036).
Study Details
| Group | Number of Patients | Median Age | symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long COVID (Severe Fatigue & Concentration Issues) | 33 | 50 | Severe fatigue and difficulty concentrating |
| Previously Infected, No Symptoms | 14 | 47 | No persistent symptoms |
Radiotracer Used: F-18 DPA-714 (binds to translocator protein/TSPO, a biomarker for neuroinflammation)
Imaging Scanners:
- Philips Ingenuity TF PET/CT (n=10)
- siemens healthineers Biograph Vision Quadra (n=37)
Key Finding: Significantly higher binding in global grey matter in the long COVID group (0.8 ± 0.34) compared to the control group (0.65 ± 0.17,p = 0.036).