Usefulness of Lung Ultrasound Follow-up in Patients Who Have Recovered From Coronavirus Disease 2019

J Ultrasound Med. 2021 Sep;40(9):1971-1974. doi: 10.1002/jum.15556. Epub 2020 Nov 7.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, which tends to be mild. Even in these cases, our understanding is still incomplete, particularly regarding its sequelae and long-term outcomes. We describe 3 recovered patients who had coronavirus disease 2019, with long-persisting symptoms after recovery, in whom chest computed tomographic and concurrent lung ultrasound examinations were performed. It is possible to correlate the findings from lung ultrasound with the symptoms and the fibrosis or residual abnormalities present on chest computed tomography. Lung ultrasound, which is easy to use, without side effects or radiation, helps monitor the disease resolution or assess early progression to lung fibrosis, as exemplified in the cases reported.

Keywords: coronavirus disease 2019; lung ultrasound; pulmonary fibrosis; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Ultrasonography