The Lancet Neurology
Fecha de publicación: 30 de julio de 2021
Autores: Michael S Xydakis, MD , Mark W Albers, MD, Eric H Holbrook, MD, Dina M Lyon, MS, Robert Y Shih, MD, Prof Johannes A Frasnelli, MD, Prof Axel Pagenstecher, MD, Alexandra Kupke, DVM, Prof Lynn W Enquist, PhD †,Prof Stanley Perlman, MD †
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00182-4
Background: The mechanisms by which any upper respiratory virus, including SARS-CoV-2, impairs chemosensory function are not known. COVID-19 is frequently associated with olfactory dysfunction after viral infection, which provides a research opportunity to evaluate the natural course of this neurological finding. Clinical trials and prospective and histological studies of new-onset post-viral olfactory dysfunction have been limited by small sample sizes and a paucity of advanced neuroimaging data and neuropathological samples. Although data from neuropathological specimens are now available, neuroimaging of the olfactory system during the acute phase of infection is still rare due to infection control concerns and critical illness and represents a substantial gap in knowledge.
