Cardiopulmonary disease as sequelae of long-term COVID-19: Current perspectives and challenges
Rudolf K.F. Oliveira, Peter S. Nyasulu, Adeel Ahmed Iqbal, Muhammad Gul, Eloara V.M. Ferreira, John William Leclair, Zin Mar Htun, Luke Howard, Ana Olga Mocumbi, Andrew J. Bryant, Jacques Lukenze Tamuzi, С. Н. Авдеев, Nicola Petrosillo, Ahmed O. Hassan, Ghazwan Butrous, Vinicio de Jesús Pérez
Abstract
COVID-19 infection primarily targets the lungs, which in severe cases progresses to cytokine storm, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiorgan dysfunction, and shock. Survivors are now presenting evidence of cardiopulmonary sequelae such as persistent right ventricular dysfunction, chronic thrombosis, lung fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. This review will summarize the current knowledge on long-term cardiopulmonary sequelae of COVID-19 and provide a framework for approaching the diagnosis and management of these entities. We will also identify research priorities to address areas of uncertainty and improve the quality of care provided to these patients.