Image Description: A sequence showing the patient standing at intervals of 0, 2, and 10 minutes. Courtesy: University of Leeds
A recent study discloses an extraordinary case where a Long Covid sufferer’s legs changed to blue after standing, accentuating the importance of being cognizant of acrocyanosis. This research also sheds light on the relationship between Long Covid, dysautonomia, and disorders such as Fibromyalgia, furthering the field of autonomic medicine.
The discovery of an uncommon instance where the legs of a Long Covid patient turned blue after standing for 10 minutes underlines the necessity to increase awareness of this symptom, states a new scientific paper in The Lancet.
Dr. Manoj Sivan of the University of Leeds authored an examination of a 33-year-old male who exhibited acrocyanosis, a condition characterized by pooling of venous blood in the legs.
Patient’s Observations
Within a minute of standing, the individual’s legs began to turn reddish, progressively becoming blue, with veins more conspicuous. After a 10-minute duration, the coloration was markedly intense, and the patient reported a strong, itching feeling in his legs. The original hue returned two minutes after he stopped standing.
The individual confessed that this color alteration had commenced since contracting COVID-19 and was identified with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), where the heart rate abnormally escalates upon standing.
Insights from Experts
Dr. Sivan, affiliated with the University of Leeds’ School of Medicine, remarked, “This was a remarkable instance of acrocyanosis in someone who hadn’t encountered it prior to COVID-19 infection.”
He further noted the necessity for greater comprehension of dysautonomia in Long Covid, enabling clinicians to manage patients suitably.
Long Covid and Associated Conditions
Long Covid’s far-reaching effects touch various bodily systems, causing diverse symptoms and hindering daily functionality. The illness impacts the autonomic nervous system, which controls blood pressure and heartbeat.
Acrocyanosis has been recorded in children suffering from dysautonomia, a frequent sign of post-viral ailments.
Dr. Sivan’s prior research indicated that Long Covid often leads to dysautonomia and POTS. Dysautonomia is also present in chronic conditions like Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME.
Conclusion
Emphasizing the need for increased consciousness about dysautonomia in persistent conditions and improved evaluation and management methods, Dr. Sivan stated, “This will empower both patients and medical professionals to handle these conditions more effectively.”
The findings form part of the team’s ongoing efforts in autonomic medicine, including the development of an at-home test for symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in conditions like Long Covid, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and diabetes types 1 and 2, where symptoms like dizziness or blackouts may occur.
Reference: “Venous insufficiency and acrocyanosis in long COVID: dysautonomia” by Nafi Iftekhar and Manoj Sivan, FRCP Edin, dated 12 August 2023, published in The Lancet. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01461-7.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fokus keyword: Long Covid
What does the recent research about a Long Covid patient with “Blue Legs” signify?
The research presents a unique case of a Long Covid patient whose legs turned blue after standing, known as acrocyanosis. This highlights the need for increased awareness of this symptom and emphasizes the connection between Long Covid, dysautonomia, and conditions like Fibromyalgia. The study contributes to advancements in autonomic medicine.
Who conducted the study on the Long Covid patient with blue legs, and where was it published?
The paper was authored by Dr. Manoj Sivan at the University of Leeds and was published in The Lancet.
What are some associated conditions and symptoms found in the research?
The research found that Long Covid affects multiple systems in the body, including the autonomic nervous system. Associated conditions include dysautonomia and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Dysautonomia is also seen in other long-term conditions such as Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME.
What is acrocyanosis, as described in the study?
Acrocyanosis is a phenomenon where venous blood pools in the legs, causing them to turn blue. In the study, this symptom was observed in a Long Covid patient after standing and had not been experienced before his COVID-19 infection.
What recommendations were made by the researchers for dealing with Long Covid and related conditions?
Dr. Sivan emphasized the need for more awareness about dysautonomia in long-term conditions, more effective assessment and management approaches, and further research into the syndrome. The research also mentioned the development of a home test for people with symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in conditions like Long Covid, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and diabetes types 1 and 2.
