Syncope and silent hypoxemia in COVID-19: Implications for the autonomic field

Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19), the infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has wreaked havoc across the globe since its emergence in December 2019. Reports of patients presenting with syncope and pre-syncope, as well as hypoxemia without symptoms of dyspnea ( “silent hypoxemia”), have led researchers to speculate whether SARS-CoV-2 can alter autonomic nervous system function. As viral infections are commonly reported triggers of altered autonomic control, we must consider whether SARS-CoV-2 can also interfere with autonomic activity, at least in some patients.

Source: Autonomic Neuroscience: Basic and Clinical - July 5, 2021 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Jacquie Baker, Anthony V. Incognito, Richard J.A. Wilson, Satish R. Raj Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research