Radiologic and Clinical Correlates of Long-Term Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Sequelae.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Long-term lung changes after COVID-19 pneumonia are not fully understood.
• The relationship between persistent imaging abnormalities and long COVID symptoms requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the persistence of imaging abnormalities in COVID-19 pneumonia patients over ten months.
• To correlate imaging findings with clinical symptoms and laboratory data.

Main Methods:

• 93 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia underwent follow-up CT scans.
• Radiologists assessed lung involvement and persistence of changes (non-fibrotic and fibrotic-like).
• Clinical and laboratory data were analyzed, including a subcohort for mid-term vs. long-term changes.

Main Results:

• Persistent non-fibrotic changes were seen in 36.6% and fibrotic-like changes in 75.3% of patients.
• Persistent changes correlated with initial CT scores, LDH, and ferritin levels.
• Fatigue and chest pain were more frequent with persistent non-fibrotic changes; chest pain with fibrotic-like changes.

Conclusions:

• Initial CT and lab findings can predict long-term sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia.
• Non-fibrotic lung changes often lessen over time.
• Persistent imaging findings correlate with long COVID clinical outcomes.