The Fickle Fate of Fibrosis: A Prospective Diagnosis of COVID-19-associated Fibrosis

Authors

Crystal J. Farinha, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Pulmonary Medicine/Internal Medicine

Advisor

Professor Larry Herman, DMSc, MPA, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to inform outpatient medical providers about the risk factors for COVID-19-associated fibrosis and to investigate the radiologic trends for guidance in preemptive management of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted with search terms “Post-COVID Fibrosis,” “COVID-19 sequelae”, “post-COVID-19”, and “COVID-19 pulmonary complications.” Articles were reviewed based on clinical relevance and 24 were selected.

Results: At three-month and six-month follow-up of severe post-COVID-19 patients, current literature reveals fibrotic-like changes such as ground-glass consolidation, septal thickening, and fibrotic stranding. Persistent radiologic manifestations are associated with abnormal pulmonary function and diffusion impairment, strongly resembling patterns in pulmonary fibrosis. Routine monitoring of lung function and follow-up imaging is required to prevent severe complications of permanent fibrosis.

Conclusion: Although research on the clinical course of COVID-19-associated fibrosis is limited, evidence from previous human coronaviruses raises clinical suspicion for fibrosis progression. Predictive factors for fibrosis formation include advanced age, comorbidities, and prolonged hospitalization complicated by mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation. Early detection of COVID-19-associated fibrosis, which leads to referral to pulmonary specialists and pulmonary rehabilitation, is critical for prognosis. Long-term, large-scale research is required to determine the long-term viability of fibrosis sequelae.

Keywords: Post-COVID-19, Post-COVID Fibrosis, COVID-19 sequelae, COVID-19 pulmonary complications

Recommended Citation

Farinha CJ. The Fickle Fate of Fibrosis: A Prospective Diagnosis of COVID-19-associated Fibrosis. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2022; 4(2).