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Updated: Nov 25, 2025

Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia
Published on: December 19, 2020
[Heterotopic ossifications after COVID-19 pneumonia]
Danique J M Ploegmakers1, Anna M Zielman-Blokhuis1,2, Hanneke J R van Duijnhoven1
1Radboudumc, Nijmegen: Afd. Revalidatie.
Severe COVID-19 patients in intensive care can develop painful joint stiffness from heterotopic ossifications. Early intervention with mobilization and anti-inflammatory drugs is crucial for managing this complication.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Intensive Care Medicine
- Rheumatology
Background:
- COVID-19 pneumonia can necessitate mechanical ventilation in intensive care units.
- Patients may experience complications affecting musculoskeletal function post-ventilation.
Observation:
- Two patients developed restricted, painful mobility in hips, shoulders, and elbows after mechanical ventilation for COVID-19.
- Radiography revealed extensive heterotopic ossifications; alkaline phosphatase levels were elevated retrospectively.
Findings:
- Heterotopic ossification is a potential complication in severe COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care and mechanical ventilation.
- Elevated alkaline phosphatase may be associated with this condition.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of heterotopic ossification is vital for timely non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions.
- Further research is needed to determine the prevalence and prophylactic strategies for heterotopic ossification in COVID-19 survivors.
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