Researchers have presented findings at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) suggesting a potential method to restore the sense of smell in individuals experiencing long-COVID symptoms. Long-term effects of COVID-19, such as parosmia (a distorted sense of smell), can persist for months or even years, impacting patients’ quality of life. Lead author Adam C. Zoga, M.D., M.B.A., proposed using a CT-guided stellate ganglion block as a minimally invasive approach to address post-COVID parosmia.
Parosmia, affecting up to 60% of COVID-19 patients, leads to a dislike of previously enjoyed foods and drinks. The study explored the benefits of the stellate ganglion block, a procedure involving the injection of anesthetic into nerves on each side of the neck. These nerves, part of the autonomic nervous system, regulate involuntary processes like heart rate and digestion. The stellate ganglion block, which takes less than 10 minutes, has been employed for various conditions, including cluster headaches and cardiac arrhythmia.
The research involved 54 patients with persistent post-COVID parosmia resistant to conventional therapies. CT guidance was used to position a spinal needle for an injection into the stellate ganglion, incorporating a small dose of corticosteroid to address potential nerve inflammation caused by the virus. Initial results were promising, with nearly 100% resolution of phantosmia (detecting smells not present in the environment) in some patients.
Follow-up assessments revealed improved symptoms in 59% of patients at one week post-injection, with 82% reporting significant progressive improvement by one month. After a second injection on the contralateral side of the neck, 86% of patients experiencing some improvement from the first injection reported additional benefits. No complications or adverse events were reported.
The study indicates the potential efficacy of the stellate ganglion block in treating post-COVID parosmia, offering hope for individuals struggling with persistent olfactory issues after recovering from the virus.
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