Reduced ATP-to-phosphocreatine ratios in neuropsychiatric post-COVID condition: Evidence from 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 2025, Schilling+

[Axel]

PCCo patients showed a significant cluster of reduced ATP/PCr ratios centered on the cingulate cortex. Regional analysis revealed consistent reductions across anterior (ACC), mid- (MCC), and posterior (PCC) cingulate cortices. Lower ATP/PCr ratios in the ACC specifically correlated with poorer cognitive performance.

The study focuses on the anterior cingulate cortex. I get the impression that we do not know very much about the posterior cingulate cortex, which would make any association with symptoms rather risky. The posterior cingulate cortex is associated with autonomic functions. And it remains active in cases of coma... one might imagine that this region is highly protected.