Pulmonary recovery after COVID-19 - a review

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As the respiratory tract is the primary site of infection and host-mediated inflammatory responses, pathologies and dysfunction of the respiratory system characterize the severe disease and are typically associated with the need for oxygen supply or even ventilator support. In survivors of severe COVID-19, computed tomography follow-up frequently reveals structural lung abnormalities, and one-third of individuals who were hospitalized during acute COVID-19 demonstrate persisting lung abnormalities for at least 12 months after disease onset.

Areas covered: This review summarizes current evidence on pulmonary recovery after COVID-19, focusing on adult patients who suffered from COVID-19 pneumonia.

Expert opinion: Severe COVID-19 is associated with a high frequency of persisting lung abnormalities at follow-up. The long-term consequences of these findings remain elusive and urge further evaluation to identify individuals at risk for COVID-19 long-term consequences.

Keywords: COVID-19; Long-COVID; Post-COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; hypoxia; inflammation; interstitial lung disease; pneumonia.