UK doctors have recently raised concerns about a potential long-term complication of Covid-19 after studying a 33-year-old patient who experienced a unique symptom. The patient noticed that his legs would turn a reddish-blue color and his veins would become more prominent after standing for just a minute. This condition, known as acrocyanosis, has not been widely associated with long Covid, but doctors at the University of Leeds believe it warrants further investigation.
The patient, who had recovered from Covid-19 18 months prior, presented his case to doctors, who diagnosed him with a condition that disrupts the autonomic nervous system. This system controls involuntary bodily functions and can be affected by the virus. When the patient stood for around 10 minutes, the bluish tone in his legs became even more apparent, but the color returned to normal when he sat down.
Acrocyanosis is the cause of this discoloration, as it reduces blood flow to the extremities and decreases oxygen supply in the blood. When the patient stood still for eight minutes, his pulse remained high at 127 beats per minute, leading to a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which causes an abnormal increase in heart rate when standing.
In addition to the leg discoloration, the patient reported other accompanying symptoms such as fogginess, shakiness, tingling, itchiness, and heaviness in his legs. Dr. Manoj Sivan, who treated the patient, emphasized that this case of acrocyanosis in a long Covid patient is significant, as it has previously been seen in children with autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Long Covid is still not fully understood, but it encompasses a range of persistent symptoms that continue for weeks or even months after recovery from the initial infection. These symptoms, which can greatly impact daily life, include fatigue, brain fog, muscle aches, and more. Approximately 23 million Americans are estimated to be experiencing long Covid.
Dr. Sivan stresses the need for increased awareness of dysautonomia, a common symptom of long Covid, among both patients and clinicians. He emphasizes the importance of effective assessment, management approaches, and further research to better understand and manage these conditions. By shedding light on these lesser-known complications, we can provide better support and care for those experiencing long-term effects of Covid-19.
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