ABSTRACT
Introduction: During the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, alveolar and microvascular damages are observed in some patients. These lesions are promoted by hyper inflammation and immunothrombosis, respectively. While dyspnea is a very prevalent symptom following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the consequences on the lung are currently poorly documented. Aims and objectives: We hypothesized that patients retained parenchymal and also vascular sequelae after the infection. This single-center ambispective study aimed to characterize these sequelae after the infection. Method(s): All patients hospitalized at the University Hospital of Caen for a PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection were offered a follow-up including a clinical evaluation and the realization of complete LFT, non-injected CT scan, ventilation/perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and a cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CET). This assessment was performed within 6 to 9 months after the infection. Result(s): 105 patients were included. At 6-9 months after infection, 71% of our patients retained radiological abnormalities, mainly ground glass and/or reticulations. LFT revealed that 21.3% of patients had abnormal FVC (<80%) and 51.2% of patients had abnormal DLCO (<80%). SPECT showed mismatched defects for 15% of patients. Finally, CET showed that 28.6% of the patients had an exercise limitation and 25% showed an abnormality of the vascular parameters. Conclusion(s): These preliminary data suggest the persistence of vascular and parenchymal abnormalities in a significant proportion of patients at 6-9 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.