A new article published in Fluids Barriers CNS reported on multiple non-respiratory complications, particularly in older male patients with prior health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. These comorbidities are associated with vascular dysfunction, and the COVID-19  complications include multiorgan failure and neurological problems. This virus enter through the respiratory tract and infests many tissues, including choroid plexus and meningeal vessels, and in neurons and CSF.

It was stated that although SARS-CoV-2 is detected in brains from severely infected patients, its path of influx remains unknown. Additionally, there is lack of evidence of a significant impact on the overall outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infestation, once the respiratory system is invaded by the virus. However, findings suggest that the olfactory mucosa is a possible route into brain. 

The authors speculated that the neurological manifestations of COVID-19 could be consequence of cardio-respiratory distress and multiorgan failure. Moreover, gaining an understanding of potential SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion pathways could help to better define the non-respiratory neurological manifestation of COVID-19.

Source: Fluids Barriers CNS. 18, 32 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12987-021-00267-y