Manoj Sivan, MD, the senior author of the study published Aug. 11 in The Lancet focused on the case of one 33-year-old patient who had previously been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which increases heart rate, and said that since his COVID-19 infection he had been experiencing discoloration in his legs.
Dr. Sivan found that the patient’s legs would turn bright red upon standing, but became more blue as time went on. After 10 minutes, the patient experienced itching sensations in his legs as well.
“This was a striking case of acrocyanosis in a patient who had not experienced it before his COVID-19 infection,” Dr. Sivan said in an Aug. 11 news release. “Patients experiencing this may not be aware that it can be a symptom of Long Covid and dysautonomia and may feel concerned about what they are seeing. Similarly, clinicians may not be aware of the link between acrocyanosis and Long Covid.”
While further research is necessary to understand more about the link between the two, Dr. Sivan noted that awareness and “more effective assessment and management approaches” are also important to focus on.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.