Cha et al. (2024) analyzed chronic lung injury in COVID-19 survivors, highlighting the persistence of respiratory impairments well beyond the acute phase. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as dual-energy CT, xenon-129 MRI, and the deep-learning software AVIEW Lung Texture, the study examined radiologic abnormalities like ground-glass opacity and fibrosis. AVIEW’s segmentation and quantification capabilities allowed for detailed assessment of interstitial abnormalities, with specific measures like 1% of lung volume as ground-glass opacity in certain cases, which provided an objective measure of lingering lung damage that may not appear in standard CT. Histopathologic findings showed fibrosis and vascular abnormalities, indicating multiple mechanisms behind COVID-19’s lasting effects on the lungs. Given the frequency of persistent symptoms and impaired lung function, the authors recommend routine imaging follow-up and a multidisciplinary approach for symptomatic survivors. Future research should focus on refining imaging protocols and evaluating interventions to mitigate chronic lung injury.
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