Introduction: Survivors of COVID-19 infection may develop post-covid pulmonary fibrosis (PCF) and suffer from long term multi-system complications. The magnitude and risk factors associated with these are unknown.
Objectives: We investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with PCF and other complications in patients discharged after COVID-19 infection.
Methods: Patients had phone assessment 6 weeks post hospital discharge after COVID-19 infection using a set protocol. Those with significant respiratory symptoms were investigated with a CTPA, Pulmonary Function Tests and echocardiogram. Prevalence of myalgia, fatigue, psychological symptoms and PCF was obtained. Risk factors associated with these were investigated.
Results: A large number of patients had persistent (45.1%) fatigue, breathlessness (36.5%), myalgia (20.5%) and psychological symptoms (19.5%). PCF was seen in 9.5% of the patients and was associated with persistent breathlessness at 6 weeks and inpatient ventilation [adjusted OR 5.02(1.76-14.27) and 4.45(1.27-15.58)] respectively. It was more common in men and in patients with peak CRP >171.5 mg/L, peak WBC count ≥12 x 10 9/L, severe inpatient COVID-19 CXR changes and CT changes. Ventilation was also a risk factor for persisting fatigue and myalgia, the latter was also more common in those with severe cytokine storm and severe COVID-19 inpatient CXR changes.
Conclusions: All the patients discharged after COVID-19 should be assessed using a set protocol by a multidisciplinary team. Patients who had severe COVID-19 infection particularly those who were intubated and who have persistent breathlessness are at risk of developing PCF. They should have a CT Chest and have respiratory follow-up.
Summary:Infection ofthe mural endocardium within a left ventricular aneurysm without valvular involvement is exceedingly rare. The presenting clinical features can be nonspecific, and a high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis. Delay in diagnosis invariably leads to a fatal outcome. Although no controlled studies are available to guide therapy and management of these patients. appropriate antibiotic therapy and early surgical resection of the infected ventricular aneurysm remain the cornerstone of therapy.
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