COVID-19 and upper limb compression neuropathies: a review

COVID-19 and upper limb compression neuropathies: a review

Authors

  • Caterina Marra Unit of Plastic Surgery, Policlinico di Modena, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia
  • Federico De Maria Unit of Plastic Surgery, Policlinico di Modena, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia
  • Martina Boccaletti Unit of Plastic Surgery, Policlinico di Modena, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia
  • Luca Roncati Institute of Pathology, Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with interest in Transplantation, Oncology and Rigenerative Medicine, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia
  • Roberto Adani Unit of Hand Surgery, University Hospital of Modena

Keywords:

Covid 19, Canaliculopathies, Upper limb compression Neurophaties

Abstract

Background and aim: COVID-19 may be asymptomatic or have a typical presentation with fever, cough, anosmia, lymphocytopenia. In some cases, it occurs with a "chimeric" presentation, with more subtle and ambiguous symptoms which may be initially misdiagnosed and are referred to in long covid conditions. A possible central and peripheral nervous system involvement has been recognized. We review the literature about the association between upper limb compressive neuropathies and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The purpose of this paper is to try to demonstrate a correlation between SARS-CoV-2 infection and canalicular syndromes of the upper limb. Although the respiratory manifestations of COVID-19 have been widely studied, there is emerging evidence suggesting potential associations between COVID-19 and various other health conditions. Methods: During November and October 2023, we carried out a systematic review to identify all scientific publications discussing the relationship between COVID-19 infection and compressive neuropathies of the upper limb.  We followed PRISMA guidelines and searched in the PubMed database.  We selected 24 articles. After a screening process, we keep 6 articles complying with inclusion criteria. Results: We found 24 patients who had developed canaliculopathies of the upper limb after COVID-19. The papers examined in this review did not hypothesize a clear pathological pathway, but rather examined a multifactorial one. Both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination have been reported as possible causes of compression neuropathies. Conclusions: Nowadays, the world literature is not clear regarding the etiology of the association between upper limb compressive neuropathies and COVID-19. We conclude a causal relation may exist and needs to be further investigated. 

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Published

28-08-2024

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How to Cite

1.
Marra C, De Maria F, Boccaletti M, Roncati L, Adani R. COVID-19 and upper limb compression neuropathies: a review. Acta Biomed [Internet]. 2024 Aug. 28 [cited 2024 Oct. 5];95(4):e2024086. Available from: https://mail.mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/actabiomedica/article/view/15745