The association of abnormal pulmonary vasculature on CT scan for COVID-19 infection and decreased diffusion capacity

In a recently published study Functional Respiratory Imaging (FRI) was used to retrospectively study the association of abnormal pulmonary vasculature on CT scan for COVID-19 infection with decreased diffusion capacity in follow up.

Thirty eight subjects were included in this study.

In conclusion: Abnormalities in pulmonary vascular volumes at the time of hospitalization are independently associated with a low DLCO at follow-up. There was no relationship between inflammatory biomarkers during hospitalization and DLCO.

Pulmonary vascular abnormalities during hospitalization for COVID-19 may serve as a biomarker for abnormal gas transfer after COVID-19 pneumonia.