Splenic Hemorrhage and Cytotoxic Lesions Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Cytokine Storm: Pathophysiology, Imaging, Diagnosis, and Clinical Implications
Introduction Since the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, increasing evidence has shown that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can affect multiple organs beyond the respiratory tract. One of the most striking neurological complications observed is the occurrence of splenic hemorrhage cytotoxic lesions within the central nervous system (CNS), particularly involving the splenium of the corpus callosum. These lesions are thought to be mediated by a cytokine storm, a hyperinflammatory immune response driven by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This article provides a comprehensive review of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, differential diagnosis, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and prognosis of SARS-CoV-2-induced splenic hemorrhage cytotoxic lesions, supported by the latest global literature. Case Review Summary A 73-year-old male with no previous cardiovascular or respiratory disease presen...