A new symptom of long Covid identified by scientists

2023-08-16 00:57:00

Researchers from the University of Leeds warn of a symptom spotted in a 33-year-old man several months after he was infected with Covid.

By Isabelle Missiaen for Le Point A new long Covid symptom has been detected in a 33-year-old man. (Illustrative image) © JENS BUTTNER / dpa-Zentralbild / dpa Picture-Alliance via AFP Published on 08/16/2023 at 00:57

In most cases, people infected with Covid-19 are cured after a few days to a few weeks. But in some rarer cases, patients develop what scientists call long Covid, which is characterized by various symptoms that can last for several months. In a study reported by the journal The Lancet and relayed byThe Independent, researchers from the British University of Leeds indicate that they have spotted a new symptom of these rare forms of Covid.

This was observed in a 33-year-old man, who was referred to a specialist clinic. The patient spotted a “rapid purple discoloration” on his legs, six months after being infected with Covid-19. When he stood, the abnormally colored surface became “tingling, itchy, and dark.” He also noted a rash on his feet. These strange symptoms disappeared when he was lying down.

« Acrocyanose »

“It was a striking case of acrocyanosis in a patient who had not experienced it before his Covid-19 infection”, summarizes Dr. Manoj Sivan, co-author of the study, to the newspaper. Metro.

The researcher warns of this rare case and the need to disseminate this discovery to the general public: “Patients who suffer from it may not be aware that this can be a symptom of long Covid”, he points out. “Similarly, clinicians may not be aware of the link between acrocyanosis and long Covid. »

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Until then, the most common symptoms of long Covid were extreme fatigue, loss of smell, muscle aches and shortness of breath. Rarer patients suffer from memory problems, chest pain, insomnia, heart palpitations, dizziness, joint pain, tinnitus or even depression and anxiety.