Scientists have found the first evidence of disability associated with COVID-19 appearing after recovery, TASS reported, citing the press service of the Radiological Society of North America.
According to the findings, some lung damage does not occur during the coronavirus infection, but some time after its passage.
Computed tomography of patients suffering from severe post-covid syndrome was used. Previously unknown abnormalities were recorded in the lungs of half of them, according to a study by scientists at the University of Vienna.
The coronavirus affects not only the lungs, but also the brain, nasopharynx, esophagus, blood vessels and heart. Observations of American doctors show that complications can continue for months after the patient has recovered.
Scientists from the University of Vienna have discovered lung damage that does not occur during the acute phase, but some time after recovery. Lung images obtained at different time periods using a conventional tomograph and a photon counting computed tomography system were compared. The comparison of the photographs shows that, in addition to the lung damage associated with the acute phase of the infection, there is also an unknown pathology that occurred after recovery. It is observed in half of the patients.
The abnormality manifests itself in patients’ bronchioles that are abnormally dilated. In general, these structural changes impair the ability to drain secretions. Such damage occurs in the first stage of lung fibrosis. They are dangerous to the life and health of those suffering from COVID-19.
Further research by the team from the University of Vienna will concern the prevention of fibrosis. This will allow for a more comfortable life for those who have contracted the COVID-19 disease.
