Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Cerebrovascular Events Related to COVID-19 Coagulopathy and Hypoxemia.

Since the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous researchers have made an effort to determine the molecular composition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the exact pathomechanism through which the virus exerts such a devastating effect on the host/infected organism. Recent scientific evidence highlights the affinity of the virus towards ACE2 receptors, which are widespread in multiple human systems, including the central nervous system (CNS) and cerebral vessels. Such an affinity may explain endothelial dysfunction and damage that is observed in COVID-positive patients in histopathological studies, with subsequent dysregulation of the cerebral circulation leading to transient or acute cerebrovascular accidents. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the effects of COVID-related hypoxemia and direct viral invasion on the cerebral circulation, with special respect to the postulated pathomechanism, vulnerable groups of patients, clinical course and outcomes, as well as diagnostic imaging findings.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION IN DIAGNOSIS OF PALPABLE LESIONS IN THE NECK

Palpation examination is one of the basic actions performed by a general practitioner. If there is palpable enlargement of organs or the patient reports pain, it is necessary to perform an ultrasound examination. This method is extremely effective in diagnosing abnormalities in the neck organs. The aim of study is to evaluate the importance of ultrasound examination in the diagnosis of palpable neck lesions. A group of 92 patients aged 8-72 years with a neck lesion found on palpation were enrolled in the study. There were 53 women/girls and 39 men/boys. All patients underwent an ultrasound examination using B-presentation imaging and Colour Doppler. Patients in whom a neoplastic process was suspected on ultrasound examination were referred for biopsy. In the study group, an anterior and lateral neck cyst was diagnosed in 15 patients. In the salivary glands, 8 patients were diagnosed with nephrolithiasis and 2 patients with neoplastic process. Among the 23 patients who were diagnosed with extensive thyroid nodules, 7 patients were found to be neoplastic. In one patient a foreign body was diagnosed in the muscle. Another 23 patients were found to have reactive lymph nodes and another 10 patients were diagnosed with a neoplastic process within the lymph nodes. Carotid artery aneurysm was found among 2 patients. Three patients were diagnosed with fresh thrombosis of the internal jugular vein. Among 5 patients with a history of COVID-19, subacute thyroiditis was diagnosed on ultrasound. Among patients with suspected thyroid malignancy, histopathological examination confirmed this diagnosis in 6 of them. In a group of 10 patients with a suspicion of a neoplasm in the lymph nodes on ultrasound examination, histopathological examination confirmed this diagnosis in 9 patients, in 1 patient the histopathological result indicated an inflammatory process. Palpable neck lesions vary widely in nature. Ultrasonography is the method of choice for the evaluation of focal neck lesions. Ultrasound image correlates highly (88%) with histopathological findings in the diagnosis of neck neoplasm. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

An Equivocal SCC Lesion-Antiepileptic-Induced CLOCC.

We present a case of a woman who reported to the emergency unit due to recurrent episodes of severe headache and collapse. MRI examination revealed no relevant findings apart from small meningioma of the right parietal region. The patient was diagnosed with epilepsy and received outpatient treatment, which was changed due to poor toleration. A follow-up MRI was performed which revealed an isolated, focal lesion of the splenium of the corpus callosum. The patient underwent extensive laboratory testing and antiseizure medications were started again. Another MRI indicated substantial regression of the splenium of the corpus callosum (SCC) lesion. Both the complete clinical image and results of the diagnostic evaluation spoke in favor of cytotoxicity of the corpus callosum associated with anti-epileptic drug treatment. Pathologies involving the corpus callosum include congenital, demyelination, infection, neoplasm, trauma and vascular changes. Isolated, non-specific lesions of the splenium of corpus callosum usually indicate multiple sclerosis; however, other pathologies should be considered. Anti-epileptic drugs may evoke cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCCs).

Parkinson's Disease in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In this review we attempt to collate the existing scientific evidence regarding the possible role of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as to investigate the impact of PD/parkinsonism on the clinical course of the viral infection itself. Since etiology of PD is not completely understood, various studies suggest different potential links between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and PD. Suggested connections include, among others, similar prodromal symptoms, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system involvement, or gut microbiome dysbiosis participation. Despite the initial assumptions that, as a mainly elderly population suffering from rigidity of respiratory muscles, impairment of cough reflex, and dyspnea, PD patients would be more susceptible to viral infection, and would experience a more aggressive course of COVID-19, the published scientific reports contain mutually exclusive data that require further investigation and meta-analysis.

The Impact of Study Mode (Online vs. Hybrid) on Early Symptoms of Depression and Coping Strategies among University Students in Poland in Time of COVID-19 Pandemic-Preliminary Study.

INTRODUCTION: mental health has been one of the most important issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic; mental disorders can be exacerbated by isolation during lockdowns or online learning. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between non-clinical (early) symptoms of depressed moods, personality traits, and coping strategies, as well as whether the learning mode (online versus hybrid) differentiates the experiences of these early symptoms and coping strategies. METHODS: 114 university students aged 19 to 34, whose education model was changed from stationary to hybrid or online due to COVID-19 restrictions, participated in the study. The participants completed the online questionnaire, which consisted of two sections: (1) demographic questions to characterize the subjects and 44 questions based on the literature review. (2) Mini-COPE Inventory. RESULTS: the study showed that the fully online study mode has a negative impact on the mental health of students; hybrid students are more likely to use active and positive coping strategies, which effectively help to control negative thoughts and/or reduce negative mental states. CONCLUSIONS: the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological effects that will extend to coming years; therefore, implementing systemic psychological care is of utmost importance.