A new study published in Radiology has found that children and teens with long COVID often have significant lung abnormalities detected through advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The researchers used a contrast agent-free and radiation-free imaging modality called free-breathing phase-resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI to assess regional ventilation, blood flow, and oxygen levels in the lungs.
The study involved 54 participants, with 27 having long COVID and 27 without. Results showed that kids with long COVID had lung injuries that correlated with specific symptoms, such as chronic fatigue. The researchers found that greater lung perfusion (blood flow) was associated with increased chronic fatigue severity.
PREFUL MRI has several advantages over traditional imaging methods, including the ability to assess lung function without radiation or contrast agents. This makes it a promising tool for diagnosing and monitoring long COVID in children.
The study’s findings provide valuable insights into the effects of long COVID on lung health and highlight the potential benefits of PREFUL MRI as a diagnostic and monitoring tool. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the use of quantitative lung MRI in disease severity follow-up.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/imaging-shows-significant-lung-injury-kids-long-covid