Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 29, 2024 3 weeks, 3 days, 11 hours, 18 minutes ago
Medical News: Recent findings suggest that COVID-19 might leave a mark on the spleen, potentially altering its dimensions and raising concerns about its impact on overall health. A study conducted by researchers from Green International University and the University of Lahore offers a closer look at how this virus may have long-term effects on our organs.
COVID-19 Causes Spleen Enlargement
The Study Unveils COVID-19’s Surprising Impact
COVID-19 has consistently surprised the scientific community with its ability to affect multiple organs. Most people are familiar with the respiratory challenges it brings, but fewer know about its impact on other organs, like the spleen. This
Medical News report will explore the findings from recent research that examined spleen size in individuals with a history of COVID-19 infection. Researchers found that post-infection spleen measurements showed noticeable differences when compared to healthy individuals. Such changes in spleen dimensions could be significant, suggesting that COVID-19 might have more lasting implications than initially believed.
The Study Methodology
The study took place over a year, involving 384 participants aged 22 to 50, all of whom gave their informed consent. Individuals with any existing spleen conditions or other health issues were excluded from the research to ensure accurate data collection. The study used the Siemens Sonovista c3000 Grey Scale Ultrasound Machine to measure the spleens of participants, with data analyzed using SPSS software to understand the differences between those with and without a history of COVID-19 infection.
Key Findings: Enlarged Spleen Dimensions
The results showed some fascinating patterns:
-Increased Spleen Length: On average, individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 exhibited a spleen length approximately 0.65 units longer than those in the healthy group. This may indicate a degree of inflammation or morphological change triggered by the virus.
-Larger Spleen Volume: The average spleen volume among individuals with a history of COVID-19 was significantly higher, around 60.95 units larger than in the control group. This volume increase could point to immune-related adjustments that the spleen undergoes in response to viral exposure.
-Thicker Spleens: Spleen thickness was also higher among those who had COVID-19, showing a difference of about 0.19 units compared to healthy individuals. Increased thickness, volume, and length collectively suggest that the spleen may undergo structural changes following COVID-19 infection.
Changes in Spleen Texture and Margins
One of the most remarkable observations was related to spleen texture. While 100% of the healt
hy participants showed smooth and homogeneous spleens, those with a history of COVID-19 displayed varied results. Around 34.2% of these participants showed irregular spleen margins, and 14.8% had heterogeneous spleen echogenicity. These differences indicate that COVID-19 might cause changes in spleen texture and density, suggesting that the virus impacts more than just respiratory health.
What These Changes Mean
The spleen is an essential part of our immune system, filtering blood and storing white blood cells and platelets. It plays a crucial role in fighting off infections and responding to bodily threats. The study’s findings suggest that COVID-19 might affect the spleen's capacity to function optimally, potentially impacting immune health. These findings align with other reports indicating that COVID-19 can leave long-term changes in various organs.
The Need for Continued Research
While these findings are substantial, researchers emphasized the need for further studies. Understanding the full implications of these changes on long-term health is crucial. Researchers hope that by examining more individuals and following up over time, they will be able to uncover the potential consequences of spleen enlargement on immunity and overall health in post-COVID individuals.
Conclusions
The research sheds light on how COVID-19 may have lasting effects on spleen dimensions, potentially altering its structure and functioning. By revealing that individuals with a history of COVID-19 show significant increases in spleen length, volume, and thickness, this study highlights a potential systemic impact of the virus beyond the lungs. The discovery of changes in spleen texture and structure further underscores the need for healthcare providers to monitor the health of individuals recovering from COVID-19 carefully. While more research is required, this study serves as an essential foundation, encouraging scientists to delve deeper into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the spleen and other organs.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Advanced Ultrasound in Diagnosis and Therapy.
https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.37015/AUDT.2023.230056
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-news-researchers-warn-that-sars-cov-2-infections-can-lead-to-splenic-infarctions
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/doctors-warn-that-kissing-disease-can-cause-potentially-fatal-spleen-rupture
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