A spark of hope: histopathological and functional recovery after critical COVID-19

Infection. 2022 Feb;50(1):263-267. doi: 10.1007/s15010-021-01678-7. Epub 2021 Aug 25.

Abstract

Background: There are substantial concerns about fibrotic and vascular pulmonary sequelae after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).AQ1 Histopathology reports of lung biopsies from COVID-19 survivors are scarce.

Case: We herein report results of functional and histopathological studies in a 70 year-old man undergoing a co-incidental tumor lobectomy six months after long-term mechanical ventilation for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Conclusion: Despite several unfavorable risk factors, this case presentation shows a completed pulmonary recovery process within a few months.

Keywords: COVID-19; Long COVID; Long-term sequelae; Recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Lung
  • Male
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome*
  • SARS-CoV-2