3D model of lung with COVID damage. Blue indicates mild COVID. Red indicates severe COVID. Photo: Emory University
An AI analysis found deformations on the lungs of patients with severe COVID-19, according to an Emory University-led study published June 10.
Why it matters: Scientists are investigating the effect of long COVID on the body. The study's lead researcher said in a press release that the AI analysis found damage with possible enduring consequences.
What they did: Emory University's AI Health institute collaborated with researchers from North America, Europe, and Asia to analyze CT scans from 3,443 patients across multiple institutions.
They created 3D AI models of the lungs of people without COVID-19, patients with mild COVID, and severe COVID cases requiring ventilators.
What they found: Significant lung shape differences were observed along areas between the lungs across all severity levels of the disease.
Differences were also seen on basal surfaces of the lung when compared between healthy, non-COVID and severe COVID patients.
Threat level: Researchers suggest the deformations could impair lung function, affecting one's quality of life, and potentially increasing overall mortality.
