Science and Research

Pulmonary vascular and airway changes in previously hospitalised COVID-19 patients: Long-term functional respiratory imaging findings correlate with reduced DLCO

BACKGROUND: Persistent respiratory symptoms in COVID-19 patients have raised concerns about structural remodelling in the lung. We assessed structural changes and their correlation with reduced DLCO, eight months after discharge, in previously hospitalised COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An exploratory observational study was conducted on 26 male patients (mean age: 60 years, range: 50-69) previously hospitalised for COVID-19. CT scans, performed eight months post-discharge, were analysed using functional respiratory imaging (FRI) to assess lung structure and function. Analyses were made based on diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). RESULTS: Patients with low DLCO (

  • Svensson, A. M.
  • Björnson, M.
  • Sköld, M.
  • Kauczor, H. U.
  • Nygren-Bonnier, M.
  • Bruchfeld, J.
  • Runold, M.
  • Kistner, A.
  • Nyrén, S.

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Male
  • *COVID-19/physiopathology/diagnostic imaging/pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Aged
  • *Lung/diagnostic imaging/blood supply/physiopathology/pathology
  • Hospitalization
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Carbon Monoxide/metabolism
  • Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity
  • Respiratory Function Tests
Publication details
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0335075
Journal: PLoS One
Pages: e0335075 
Number: 12
Work Type: Original
Location: TLRC
Disease Area: PALI
Partner / Member: UKHD
Access-Number: 41329671


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