Journal of Medical Council of Iran
Volume 43 - Series of Sessions on Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
jmciri 2025, 43 - Series of Sessions on Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: 52-63 |
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Safdari S M, Mami S, Assadiasl S, Mojtahedi H, Sadr M, Zolfaghari M, et al . Respiratory Manifestations of Long-COVID: Immunological, Clinical, and Radiological Aspects. jmciri 2025; 43 (S1) :52-63
URL: http://jmciri.ir/article-1-3451-en.html
URL: http://jmciri.ir/article-1-3451-en.html
Seyed Mehrab Safdari 
, Somayeh Mami , Sara Assadiasl , Hanieh Mojtahedi , Maryam Sadr , Mohammadali Zolfaghari , Narjes Soleimanifar , Alireza Esteghamati , Abdolrahman Rostamian , Mostafa Ghanei , Mohammad Hossein Nicknam
, Somayeh Mami , Sara Assadiasl , Hanieh Mojtahedi , Maryam Sadr , Mohammadali Zolfaghari , Narjes Soleimanifar , Alireza Esteghamati , Abdolrahman Rostamian , Mostafa Ghanei , Mohammad Hossein Nicknam
Molecular Immunology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (19 Views)
Background: Due to Background: Long COVID, or post-COVID-19 condition, is a multisystem syndrome with debilitating consequences affecting millions worldwide. Given that the lungs are the primary site of entry for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the main site of injury during the acute phase, respiratory complications are among the most common and significant long-term outcomes of the disease.
Results: The pathophysiology of pulmonary sequelae in Long COVID is complex, involving direct viral injury to epithelial cells, persistent inflammation driven by a dysregulated immune response, and aberrant tissue repair processes. The most common clinical manifestations include chronic dyspnea and cough, often accompanied by objective abnormalities in pulmonary function tests, particularly a reduced diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Radiological findings on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) are diverse, encompassing persistent ground-glass opacities (GGO), reticular patterns, and traction bronchiectasis, which are indicative of chronic inflammation and potential fibrosis. Vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing Long COVID, and newer variants such as Omicron have been associated with milder sequelae. In diagnostics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds significant potential for the precise quantification of lung damage and prediction of disease outcomes.
Conclusion: The respiratory complications of Long COVID represent a significant health challenge that necessitates a deep understanding of the underlying immunopathological mechanisms. Structured, long-term monitoring of patients is crucial for identifying progressive complications. Although no specific targeted therapies currently exist, future research must focus on identifying biomarkers and developing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapeutic interventions to address the needs of this growing patient population.
Results: The pathophysiology of pulmonary sequelae in Long COVID is complex, involving direct viral injury to epithelial cells, persistent inflammation driven by a dysregulated immune response, and aberrant tissue repair processes. The most common clinical manifestations include chronic dyspnea and cough, often accompanied by objective abnormalities in pulmonary function tests, particularly a reduced diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Radiological findings on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) are diverse, encompassing persistent ground-glass opacities (GGO), reticular patterns, and traction bronchiectasis, which are indicative of chronic inflammation and potential fibrosis. Vaccination has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing Long COVID, and newer variants such as Omicron have been associated with milder sequelae. In diagnostics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds significant potential for the precise quantification of lung damage and prediction of disease outcomes.
Conclusion: The respiratory complications of Long COVID represent a significant health challenge that necessitates a deep understanding of the underlying immunopathological mechanisms. Structured, long-term monitoring of patients is crucial for identifying progressive complications. Although no specific targeted therapies currently exist, future research must focus on identifying biomarkers and developing anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic therapeutic interventions to address the needs of this growing patient population.
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