MRI Scans Provide Fresh Insights into Long Covid Symptoms

A recent study has found that individuals living with long Covid after being hospitalized are more likely to exhibit damage to major organs. MRI scans revealed that patients were three times more likely to have abnormalities in organs such as the lungs, brain, and kidneys. The severity of the illness seems to be linked to these abnormalities. The study, published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine, examined 259 patients who were admitted to hospital due to severe Covid and compared their MRI scans to a group of 52 individuals who had never contracted the virus. The scans revealed significant differences in the major organs of long Covid patients, with the lungs particularly affected. The researchers also discovered abnormalities in the brain and kidneys among those who had experienced severe cases of Covid. However, there was no significant difference in the health of the heart or liver. Dr. Betty Raman, one of the lead investigators in the study, emphasized that those experiencing long Covid symptoms are more likely to have suffered organ damage. The age and severity of illness of the patients, as well as other existing health conditions, were significant factors contributing to organ damage. These findings are part of a larger study known as the Phosp-Covid study, which investigates the long-term effects of Covid on hospitalized individuals. The researchers found that certain symptoms matched up with signs of organ damage observed in the MRI scans. However, not all long Covid symptoms could be directly linked to the scan results. The study also revealed that individuals who experienced abnormalities in multiple organs were more likely to report severe mental and physical impairments. The researchers concluded that there is a need for longer-term follow-up services to address pulmonary and extrapulmonary health, particularly for those who were hospitalized with Covid. Prof Chris Brightling, leading the Phosp-Covid study, explained that this research is part of an ongoing effort to understand the various symptoms that make up long Covid and develop effective treatments.