Evaluation of the Atherogenic Effect of Covid-19 Pneumonia on Coronary and Carotid Arteries in Patients who Recovered from the Disease.

Background: Acute inflammation induced by COVID-19 may lead to atherosclerotic plaque development or complicate existing plaque. In this study, we aimed to determine the atherogenic effect of COVID-19 pneumonia, confirmed by thoracic computed tomography, on coronary and carotid arteries in patients who recovered from the disease.

Methods: Our study included patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in our hospital at least 1 year ago, recovered, and then underwent coronary CT angiography with suspected coronary artery disease. The aim was to evaluate the burden of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries of these patients who underwent coronary CT angiography.

Results: Patients were assigned to 3 groups according to the results of the CT scan. Group 1 included patients in the control group with no history of COVID-19 (n=36), group 2 included those with mild to moderate pneumonia symptoms (n=43), and group 3 included those with severe pneumonia symptoms (n=29). The calcium scores were 23.25±36.8 in group 1, 27.65±33.4 in group 2, and 53.58±55.1 in group 3. The calcium score was found to be significantly higher in group 3 patients with severe pneumonia (group 1-2 p=0.885, group 1-3 p<0.05, group 2-3 p<0.05).

Conclusion: Although there is no conclusive evidence of a relationship between COVID-19 and atherosclerosis, our study suggests a possible relationship between them. Since this relationship was found especially in cases with severe disease in our study, we believe that the treatment should focus on preventing excessive inflammatory response, and such patients should be under control in terms of coronary artery disease.