A recent case study published in The Lancet reported a peculiar symptom of long Covid in a 33-year-old man. The patient experienced "rapid purple discoloration" of his legs after standing for 10 minutes. This condition, known as acrocyanosis, occurs when there is a venous accumulation of blood in the legs. While it is more common to see a bluish or purplish discoloration in the hands, it can also occur in the feet or legs.
The patient had been experiencing this symptom for six months, and aside from the discoloration, his legs felt heavy and itchy. The symptoms would subside and the discoloration would fade away after he laid down. The case study highlighted the need for more awareness of dysautonomia, a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure and heart rate, in long Covid.
Acrocyanosis is an uncommon condition, and the exact incidence and prevalence are still unknown. Some risk factors that may make individuals more prone to acrocyanosis include a low body mass index, neurological impairments, living in cold climates, and working in outdoor professions.
In addition to acrocyanosis, the patient was also diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), characterized by an increased heart rate when sitting or lying down. POTS affects approximately 0.2% of the general population and is more common among individuals with long Covid.
The study emphasized the importance of raising awareness about dysautonomia in long-term conditions, improving assessment and management approaches, and conducting further research into the syndrome. Long Covid typically manifests as severe fatigue, brain fog, sleep issues, difficulties concentrating, loss of smell and taste, and depression and anxiety. While these symptoms may persist for more than 12 months, they generally subside after three to six months for most long Covid patients.
Overall, this case study highlights the need for increased awareness among both patients and clinicians regarding the potential development of uncommon conditions, such as acrocyanosis and POTS, in long Covid patients. Further research and management approaches are necessary to better understand and address these conditions.