Publication Details
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E. Lathouwers, Ahmed Radwan, Jeroen Blommaert, L. Stas, B. Tassignon, S. D. Allard, F De Ridder, E De Waele, N. Hoornaert, P. Lacor, R Mertens, Maarten Naeyaert, Hubert Raeymaekers, L. Seyler, Anne-Marie Vanbinst, Lien Van Liedekerke, Lien Van Liedekerke, Jeroen Van Schependom, Peter Van Schuerbeek, Steven Provyn, Bart Roelands, Vandekerckhove, Marie, R Meeusen, Stefan Sunaert, Nagels, Guy, J De Mey, De Pauw, Kevin
 

Scientific reports

Contribution To Journal

Abstract 

COVID-19 can induce neurological sequelae, negatively affecting the quality of life. Unravelling this illness's impact on structural brain connectivity, white-matter microstructure (WMM), and cognitive performance may help elucidate its implications. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate differences in these factors between former hospitalised COVID-19 patients (COV) and healthy controls. Group differences in structural brain connectivity were explored using Welch-two sample t-tests and two-sample Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariate linear models were constructed (one per region) to examine fixel-based group differences. Differences in cognitive performance between groups were investigated using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. Possible effects of bundle-specific FD measures on cognitive performance were explored using a two-group path model. No differences in whole-brain structural organisation were found. Bundle-specific metrics showed reduced fiber density (p?=?0.012, Hedges' g?=?0.884) and fiber density cross-section (p?=?0.007, Hedges' g?=?0.945) in the motor segment of the corpus callosum in COV compared to healthy controls. Cognitive performance on the motor praxis and digit symbol substitution tests was worse in COV than healthy controls (p?<?0.001, r?=?0.688 p?=?0.013, r?=?422, respectively). Associations between the cognitive performance and bundle-specific FD measures differed significantly between groups. WMM and cognitive performance differences were observed between COV and healthy controls.

Reference 
 
 
DOI scopus VUB