Lung ultrasound alterations six months after COVID-19 pneumonia: a descriptive study

The primary aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and characteristics of lung ultrasound abnormalities six months after hospital discharge for COVID-19 pneumonia.

This prospective observational study included patients hospitalised with COVID-19 pneumonia between March 2020 and May 2022. Participants attended a follow-up visit between one and six months after discharge. A standardised 14-zone ultrasound protocol was applied in all cases. Clinical variables and symptoms, including dyspnoea graded using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale, were recorded.

The median time from discharge to follow-up assessment was 75 days. Lung involvement on ultrasound was frequent, observed in 79.3%. The most common findings were pleural line irregularities with B-lines (75.9%) and subpleural consolidations (35.6%). A B-line count ≥ 3 per segment was noted in 38.3%. Abnormalities were more common in the basal lung regions. Dyspnoea was the main respiratory symptom, reported by 67% with varying degrees on the mMRC scale.

COVID-19 pneumonia remains a significant public health concern, particularly among high-risk groups susceptible to severe disease and post-COVID sequelae. Efficient screening methods are needed for evaluating potential sequelae. The technical features of lung ultrasound-its accessibility, safety, reproducibility, and ability to detect pulmonary abnormalities during post-COVID follow-up-may render it a valuable tool for patient monitoring. In our series, lung ultrasound findings (pleural line irregularities, B-lines, and subpleural consolidations) were frequent. However, further studies correlating sonographic findings with associated factors and persistent symptoms are required to confirm and validate its role in this setting.