Radiological and Functional Pulmonary Evolution in Post-COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) has led to widespread systemic health issues globally.
• Persistent symptoms and organ damage are recognized post-COVID-19 complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical, radiological, and pulmonary functional recovery in patients after COVID-19.
• To identify the prevalence of post-COVID-19 pulmonary symptoms and comorbidities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 302 patients with a history of COVID-19.
• Evaluation of clinical data, chest tomography (CT) scans, and spirometry results over time.

Main Results:

• Common post-COVID-19 symptoms included dry cough, dyspnea, and chest pain; asthma was a frequent comorbidity (23.5%).
• Initial mean pulmonary involvement on CT was 69.7%, decreasing to 37.7% within six months, 20% between six-twelve months, and 9.9% after twelve months.
• CT normalization occurred in 50.3% within six months, 23% between six-twelve months, and 5.2% after twelve months, with 17.3% showing residual sequelae.
• Spirometry showed normalization in 59.3% within six months, 12.3% between six-twelve months, and 6.3% after twelve months, with only 3.6% persistent alterations.

Conclusions:

• The majority of patients demonstrate significant radiological and functional pulmonary recovery within one year post-COVID-19.
• A notable percentage of patients may experience residual pulmonary sequelae, necessitating continued monitoring and management.