Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is a common complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection resulting in respiratory symptoms and affecting ~5% of adults in the US. Using quantitative chest CT analysis, we found that ground-glass opacities (GGO) and air trapping are features of PASC. Air trapping occurred in nearly 30% of individuals with PASC, regardless of initial infection severity. In contrast, GGO was more common in those with severe acute disease, who were more likely to suffer lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). PASC remains poorly understood, but potential mechanisms include persistent inflammation or dysregulated tissue repair. We, therefore, assessed whether cytokines associated with lung injury and repair are elevated in PASC and correlate with lung function or chest CT findings. From this, we expected to see strong correlations of air trapping to cytokines like GM-CSF and VEGFa

We found that plasma GM-CSF and VEGFa are not different in PASC compared to healthy controls (HC). Both inversely correlate with lung function and weakly correlate to GGO but not air trapping, contrary to our hypothesis. Since GM-CSF and VEGFa play critical roles in restoring lung homeostasis after injury, these results suggest prolonged tissue repair may be a mechanism of PASC.