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Pathophysiology of Hypoxemia in COVID-19 Lung Disease
Kai E Swenson1, Charles C Hardin2
1Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Bulfinch 148, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
As the pandemic has progressed, our understanding of hypoxemia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lung disease has become more nuanced, although much remains to be understood. In this article, we review ventilation-perfusion mismatching in COVID-19 and the evidence to support various biologic theories offered in explanation. In addition, the relationship between hypoxemia and other features of severe COVID-19 lung disease such as respiratory symptoms, radiographic abnormalities, and pulmonary mechanics is explored. Recognizing and understanding hypoxemia in COVID-19 lung disease remains essential for risk stratification, prognostication, and choice of appropriate treatments in severe COVID-19.
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