COVID-19’s Radiologic, Functional, and Serologic Consequences at 6-Month and 18-Month Follow-up: A Prospective Cohort Study
10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e228
- Author:
Cherry KIM
1
;
Hyeri SEOK
;
Jooyun KIM
;
Dae Won PARK
;
Marly van ASSEN
;
Carlo N. De CECCO
;
Hangseok CHOI
;
Chohee KIM
;
Sung Ho HWANG
;
Hwan Seok YONG
;
Yu-Whan OH
;
Won Suk CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2024;39(32):e228-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:We evaluated the radiologic, pulmonary functional, and antibody statuses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients 6 and 18 months after discharge, comparing changes in status and focusing on risk factors for residual computed tomography (CT) abnormalities.
Methods:This prospective cohort study was conducted on COVID-19 patients discharged between April 2020 and January 2021. Chest CT, pulmonary function testing (PFT), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) measurements were performed 6 and 18 months after discharge. We evaluated factors associated with residual CT abnormalities and the correlation between lesionvolume in CT (lesionvolume ), PFT, and IgG levels.
Results:This study included 68 and 42 participants evaluated 6 and 18 months, respectively, after hospitalizations for COVID-19. CT abnormalities were noted in 22 participants (32.4%) at 6 months and 13 participants (31.0%) at 18 months. Lesionvolume was significantly lower at 18 months than 6 months (P < 0.001). Patients with CT abnormalities at 6 months showed lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), and patients with CT abnormalities at 18 months exhibited lower FVC. FVC significantly improved between 6 and 18 months of follow-up (all P < 0.0001). SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were significantly higher in patients with CT abnormalities at 6 and 18 months (P < 0.001). At 18-month follow-up assessments, age was associated with CT abnormalities (odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.32; P = 0.01), and lesionvolume showed a positive correlation with IgG level (r = 0.643, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:At 18-month follow-up assessments, 31.0% of participants exhibited residual CT abnormalities. Age and higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were significant predictors, and FVC was related to abnormal CT findings at 18 months. Lesionvolume and FVC improved between 6 and 18 months.
