Affective disorders in patients with cerebral microangiopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic

O.V. Vorobieva

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow

The most common and least studied type of cerebrovascular pathology is cerebral microangiopathy (CMA). Patients with vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, etc.) are more vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 virus since the concomitant endothelial dysfunction and antioxidant protection break-down increase the probability of infection and contribute to a more severe disease course. COVID-19 outcomes, in particular, are affected by the cerebral perfusion level. Thus, slowing the progression of cerebrovascular pathology is one of the most important protective measures. At the same time, even a mild COVID-19 course can worsen cerebral perfusion and exacerbate affective and cognitive symptoms. In patients with a silent form of CMA, SARS-CoV-2 infection may contribute to the clinical manifestation of symptoms. The article describes the etiopathogenetic CMA aspects and the affective disorders associated with CMA. It also notes the problems faced by patients with such disorders in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods for the complex therapy of affective disorders in patients with CMA during the COVID-19 pandemic are considered.

Keywords: cerebral m icroangiopathy, affective disorders, cognitive disorders, endothelial dysfunction, COVID-19.

For citation: Vorobieva O.V. Affective disorders in patients with cerebral microangiopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic. RMJ. 2021;5:35–41.