Characteristics of brain lesions found using MRI imaging in patients with post-COVID with signs of cognitive decline.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To describe and evaluate abnormalities of the brain in post-COVID patients with neurologic symptoms and cognitive deficits using MRI imaging of the brain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: We included 21 patients with a previous positive PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 and one or more of the following symptoms: memory and cognitive decline, dizziness, anxiety, depression, chronic headaches. All patients had MRI imaging done at onset of symptoms, but after at least 1 year after positive testing for COVID-19 based on the patient's previous medical history. RESULTS: Results: All of the patients complained of lack of concentration, forgetfulness, hard to process information. 15 patients suffered from confusion, 10 from anxiety. Of the 21 patients 14 had isolated chronic headaches, 3 had isolated dizziness, 4 patients had both symptoms upon inclusion. All patients underwent MRI imaging as a part of the diagnostic workup and had varying degrees of neurodegeneration. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Our data correlates with existing research and shows tendency for cognitive decline in post-COVID patients. This provides groundwork for further research to determine correlation between acceleration of neurodegeneration and post-COVID.

Coronary artery calcium score as independent risk factor of obstructive coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To prove an independence of CAC score comparatively to conventional risk factors such as age, and dyslipidemia especially in patients under forty years of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Thirty-four asymptomatic adult patients with no prior established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or severe comorbidities, except of complex clinical examination, underwent CT scan with evaluation of coronary artery calcium score. RESULTS: Results: The average total cholesterol level in the group was (5.62±1.02) mmol/l, indicating the presence of dyslipidemia. The average HDL level was (1.26±0.24) mmol/l, suggesting an average risk of atherosclerosis. The average LDL levels were within the borderline range at (3.63±1.01) mmol/l. The average triglyceride level was within the safe range at (1.93±1.08) mmol/l. The atherogenicity coefficient indicated a moderate risk of atherosclerosis with an average value of 3.64±1.31. The average coronary artery calcium score was 56.71±143.85, indicating minor plaques and a moderate risk of coronary artery disease. Correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between age and the CAC score (r=0.1, p>0.05). However, reliable direct correlation of weak strength was found between the CAC score and LDL level (r=0.35, p<0.05). Direct correlations of weak strength were also observed between age and the levels of total cholesterol, LDL and the atherogenicity coefficient (r=0.43, 0.49, 0.42 respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Coronary artery calcium score is a valuable screening tool for identifying potential obstructive coronary artery disease, not only for individuals aged forty and above, but also for younger asymptomatic patients.

Ocular lesions in patients with ulcerative colitis.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To analyze the data and evaluate the prevalence of ocular lesions in patients with moderate ulcerative colitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: We observed 112 patients aged 18-75 years old with clinically, endoscopically and histologically confirmed moderate ulcerative colitis which lasted at least 6 months. An ophthalmologic exam was performed to determine the presence of ocular symptoms. RESULTS: Results: Of the 112 patients with moderate ulcerative colitis, 21 (18,75%) had the following ocular lesions: episcleritis - 7 patients (6,25%), keratopathy - 5 patients (4,46%), uveitis - 5 patients (4,46%), cataract - 2 (1,78%) and scleritis - 2 (1.78%). CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Because ocular symptoms in patients with UC are often nonspecific, it may be beneficial to perform ophthalmologic examinations as a routine follow-up component of in such patients.

EFFICACY OF COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT OF NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN PATIENTS WITH PREDIABETES.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed treatment recommendations, which included lifestyle changes, as well as the treatment with ursode¬oxycholic acid, rosuvastatin, and omega-3 PUFA, on the severity of cytolytic and cholestatic syndromes in patients with NAFLD and prediabetes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Fifty-five patients with confirmed prediabetes and concomitant NAFLD underwent a comprehensive clinical examination and were treated with rosuvastatin 10 mg/d, omega-3 PUFA at a dose of 1000 mg/d and ursodeoxycholic acid at a dose of 10 mg/kg/d. RESULTS: Results: The data obtained after 12 months of proposed treatment revealed a statistically significant improvement of indicators of cytolytic syndrome in patients with prediabetes and NAFLD. There was no significant difference between mean values of ALT and AST of treated patients and the corresponding indicators of apparently healthy persons, which confirms the effectiveness of the recommended treatment. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Proposed therapy which included recommendations for lifestyle changes and treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid, rosuvastatin and omega-3 PUFA significantly improved hepatic steatosis and cytolytic syndrome in patients with prediabetes and NAFLD.