Descriptive and Narrative Study of Long Covid Cases in General Practice and Diagnostic Value of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT scan)
Authors: Jamoulle Marc , Kazeneza-Mugisha Gisèle , Zayane Ayoub 
Published: March 2022

Primary care is under great pressure from patients with Covid -19 and those affected by Long Covid. The issue of Long Covid, its diagnosis and therapeutic approach are discussed here in detail. The Long Covid is described on the basis of a review of the literature and also on the basis of clinical experience in general practice. The main characteristics of thirty four cases (twenty five women) of Long Covid encountered in 2021 and early 2022 are outlined. The experience of six of them is reported on the basis of notes from their medical records. These six patients were interviewed and each was asked to reread and correct the texts concerning them. This is therefore a descriptive study based on clinical and narrative experience, verified by the patients.

Long Covid, the first disease in the history of medicine to be described first by patients themselves on social networks, is not yet precisely defined and the multi -systemic symptoms may be non-specific or vary according to the organs affected.

Diagnosis is based on careful listening to the patient’s history. Previously unknown irrepressible fatigue, brain fog, working memory disorders with possible anomia, anosmia, dysgeusia or other muli-systemic symptoms occurring after an acute Covid are varying characteristics of Long Covid. Biological evidence of Covid is missing in fourteen patients as PCRs may have been not done or came back negative in the acute phase of the disease. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are not always present or are indistinguishable from post-vaccine antibodies. In fourteen severe cases presented, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT scan) after intravenous administration of Technetium-99m (Tc-99m HM-PAO) were able to demonstrate a disorder of cerebral perfusion. Two follow -up brain SPECT at three months showed significant improvement. Further genetic and immunologic study is ongoing for all patient with the help of the international consortium COVID Human Genetic Effort. A patient who presents after a Covid with medically unexplained symptoms may well be a Long Covid. Despite some interesting hypothesis, there is no known specific treatment. Neurocognitive revalidation and physiotherapy may help those patients who need long -term empathic support to cope with their condition.

Key messages

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Long Covid is a recent onset, multi-systemic, long-term condition that can be very debilitating.

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The main symptoms are severe fatigue, exertional exhaustion, and cognitive and memory problems, among others.

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Patients who suffer from it may not realize it, may not talk about it, or may attribute their problem to other causes.

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Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT CT) contributes to the hypothesis of a vascular perfusion disorder induced by SARS -coV-2 and should be validated as a diagnostic tool in neurological Long Covid.

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Tissue immunity should be available to prove Long Covid in case of humoral seronegativity

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There is no identified treatment that can be recommended yet. Careful listening, empathic support and cognitive and physical rehabilitation are suggested and should be organised or supported by the Belgian state.