Research recently published in the journal Nature shows just how deep those lasting impacts of COVID run. It particularly addresses the needs of patients who have ongoing cardiopulmonary symptoms. Scientists studied 99 patients who experienced these symptoms for nine to twelve months after their diagnosis of COVID-19. Employing state-of-the-art PET/MRI imaging, they tracked telling markers of inflammation with potential major ramifications for cardiovascular health.
The study included patients who got scans, in some cases, on average, 300 days after their first infections. Importantly, 80% of the cohort reported having shortness of breath and 27% were hospitalized for their acute illness. Taken together, these findings point to the possibility that even once cleared of the virus, people could be left with a slew of potentially lingering and debilitating health concerns.
Key Findings of the Study
The findings unveiled some pretty shocking mutations among the group. The most common diagnosis found was vascular inflammation of the aorta or pulmonary arteries, noted in 28 patients. Moreover, 22 patients showed signs of myocardial scarring and hypertrophy (thickening of heart tissue).
Inflammation seemed to affect key segments of the cardiovascular system. Signs of inflammation in the heart muscle, pericardium, and heart valves were found in 57% of participants. Most notably, the researchers found intense inflammation of the mitral valve. A similar percentage reported inflammation in the blood vessels of the aorta and pulmonary arteries. These discoveries are a reminder of just how large scale the inflammatory process set into motion by COVID-19 can be.
Comparisons to Control Group
To understand what these new imaging results mean, researchers compared their results to a control group. This control group consisted of nine other people who had experienced severe COVID-19 infections but who did not have any long-term symptoms. This comparison highlighted the disproportionate and distinct cardiovascular risks that long COVID posed.
Dr. Maria G. Trivieri provided insight into the implications of these results:
“This study brings us closer to understanding how SARS-CoV-2 affects the heart and lungs over time. We believe long COVID results in an inflammatory response that may predispose patients to premature coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, and valvular damage such as stenosis or regurgitation.”
Implications for Future Care
Dr. Zahi Fayad emphasized the significance of hybrid PET/MRI imaging in uncovering hidden diseases linked to long COVID:
“This study highlights the unique power of hybrid PET/MRI imaging to uncover hidden disease processes in long COVID patients.”
He further stated:
“These findings should change how we approach care and surveillance—not only recognizing SARS-CoV-2 as a potential long-term cardiovascular risk factor, but also integrating molecular imaging into post-COVID evaluation protocols. We now have objective evidence that can guide earlier detection and potentially prevent future cardiopulmonary events.”
