Long‐term radiological changes in survivors of severe COVID‐19 pneumonia

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Created On: 09/09/2021

Long‐term radiological changes in survivors of severe COVID‐19 pneumonia

To examine the long‐term radiological variations in survivors of severe COVID‐19 and incidence of associated lung/pulmonary function, exercise capabilities, and health‐linked quality of life.

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Key take away

Many patients who recovered from severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were found to have functional and radiological abnormalities in the sixth month.

Background

To examine the long‐term radiological variations in survivors of severe COVID‐19 and incidence of associated lung/pulmonary function, exercise capabilities, and health‐linked quality of life.

Method

A total of 65 patients (49 men, 16 women) with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were assessed in the 6^th month following hospital discharge. Spirometry (lung function test), 6 minutes walking test (6MWT), and short form (SF‐36) to assess the health‐related quality of life were used in the 6^th month. Chest computed tomography (CT) was carried out, and the outcomes were categorized as per lung involvement.

Result

As expected in the 6th month, lower values of Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % was observed in 18 patients (30.5%), forced vital capacity (FVC) in 27 patients (45.8%), and 6MWT in 13 patients (23.2%). In addition, physical and social functioning, energy‐vitality, pain, and health parameters were found to be lower as compared to normal as determined from the SF‐36 scale.

Twenty-six patients had abnormal findings from the chest CT scan. Nine patients had interstitial changes observed in 10% to 50% of the lung surface area. Four patients had severe pulmonary fibrosis (damaged and scarred lung tissue). A link between physical and pulmonary function and general insight of health from SF‐36 scale sub-parameters was found.

Conclusion

In the 6th month after severe COVID‐19 pneumonia, radiological and functional abnormalities were reported in a considerable number of people. Also, there was a substantial drop in health‐related quality of life and respiratory function. Therefore, a systematic monitoring plan is required to evaluate and suitably manage the long‐term problems that may occur.