Long/Post-Covid – An Interdisciplinary Challenge

Abstract

Background

In this overview we summarize the current state of scientific knowledge on the epidemiology, etiology, clinical symptoms and therapy of post-COVID disease.

Methods

The study is based on a search of the scientific literature available on PubMed and on our own clinical experience in the post-COVID outpatient clinic.

Conclusion

The prevalence of post-COVID disease varies greatly depending on the survey method used. The symptoms of post-COVID are manifold, but fatigue, cardiopulmonary complaints, cognitive deficit, and pain syndromes are prominent. There are currently no surefire symptoms or specific markers that prove the presence of the disease. Therefore, diagnosis is often based on an exclusion of other diagnoses, which requires good interdisciplinary cooperation. Therapy for post-COVID disease is also not specific but is always individual and symptom-oriented. There have been various attempts to explain the pathogenesis of post-COVID, but the mechanisms behind the development of the condition have not yet been conclusively clarified. Persistence of the virus or of viral proteins may cause protracted infection or autoimmunity. Infection and inflammation of the endothelium of the small vessels and the hypercoagulation associated with this may lead to local cytokine dysregulation and organ damage. Further clarification of the pathogenesis of post-COVID and the establishment of effective diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches are urgently needed.

Key Points

• Post-COVID is a commonly reported condition with variable symptoms

• Interdisciplinary exclusion of other diagnoses and therapy planning are important

• Clarification of pathogenesis and establishment of diagnostic markers are urgently needed

Citation Format

• Reisinger EC, Geerdes-Fenge H, Wossidlo C et al. Long/Post-Covid – An Interdisciplinary Challenge. Rofo 2025; DOI 10.1055/a-2578-1363

Keywords

Long-COVID - Post-COVID - SARS CoV-2 - COVID-19 - pathogenesis - diagnosis

Publication History

Received: 18 July 2024

Accepted after revision: 31 March 2025

Article published online:
23 May 2025

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