Post-acute COVID syndrome (long COVID): What should radiographers know and the potential impact for imaging services

F. Alghamdi, R. Owen, R.E.M. Ashton, A.D. Obotiba, R.M. Meertens, E. Hyde, M.A. Faghy, K.M. Knapp, P. Rogers, W.D. Strain

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)
37 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented health crisis resulting in over 6 million deaths worldwide, a figure, which continues to grow. In addition to the excess mortality, there are individuals who recovered from the acute stages, but suffered long-term changes in their health post COVID-19, commonly referred to as long COVID. It is estimated there are currently 1.8 million long COVID sufferers by May 2022 in the UK alone. The aim of this narrative literature review is to explore the signs, symptoms and diagnosis of long COVID and the potential impact on imaging services. Key findings: Long COVID is estimated to occur in 9.5% of those with two doses of vaccination and 14.6% if those with a single dose or no vaccination. Long COVID is defined by ongoing symptoms lasting for 12 or more weeks post acute infection. Symptoms are associated with reductions in the quality of daily life and may involve multisystem manifestations or present as a single symptom. Conclusion: The full impact of long COVID on imaging services is yet to be realised, but there is likely to be significant increased demand for imaging, particularly in CT for the assessment of lung disease. Educators will need to include aspects related to long COVID pathophysiology and imaging presentations in curricula, underpinned by the rapidly evolving evidence base. Implications for practice: Symptoms relating to long COVID are likely to become a common reason for imaging, with a particular burden on Computed Tomography services. Planning, education and updating protocols in line with a rapidly emerging evidence base is going to be essential.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S93-S99
Number of pages7
JournalRadiography
Volume28
Early online date13 Sept 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2022
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The College of Radiographers. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Computed tomography
  • Imaging
  • Long-covid
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Radiography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Assessment and Diagnosis
  • Radiological and Ultrasound Technology
  • Research and Theory
  • Health Professions (miscellaneous)
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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