Imaging of Long-COVID (Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID, PASC) and Post-Infectious Syndromes
A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Imaging and Theranostics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 30
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue, “Imaging of Long-COVID (Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID, PASC) and Post-Infectious Syndromes”, aims to highlight the contribution of medical imaging to the understanding, diagnosis and management of persistent or delayed manifestations following SARS-CoV-2 infection and other infections. Long COVID / PASC and related post-infectious syndromes, including myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), are characterized by heterogeneous, often disabling, multisystem symptoms. Imaging modalities such as PET, SPECT, MRI, CT, ultrasound and hybrid techniques offer unique opportunities to explore underlying pathophysiological mechanisms (e.g., neuroinflammation, metabolism, immune dysregulation, microvascular and endothelial dysfunction, cardiopulmonary involvement, autonomic and musculoskeletal changes…), to refine clinical phenotyping and to identify robust imaging biomarkers. We welcome original research articles, systematic and narrative reviews, technical notes and short communications addressing, in particular, the following:
- Imaging correlations of neurological, cognitive, autonomic, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal and systemic manifestations in Long COVID / PASC and other post-infectious syndromes;
- Comparative imaging studies between Long COVID / PASC and ME/CFS or other entities, and with other neurological and psychiatric disorders;
- Integration of imaging with clinical, neuropsychological, biological, immunological or digital markers to improve patient stratification and prognosis;
- Imaging-based or imaging-guided therapeutic and rehabilitation strategies, including theranostic approaches in nuclear medicine;
- Methodological advances and harmonization efforts for multicentre imaging studies in these conditions.
By bringing together multidisciplinary expertise, this Special Issue seeks to provide an updated and structured framework on the role of imaging in Long COVID / PASC and post-infectious syndromes, to improve diagnostic pathways and patient care, and to inform future clinical guidelines and research priorities.
Prof. Dr. Eric Guedj
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- long COVID
- post-acute sequelae of COVID (PASC)
- COVID-19
- SARS-CoV-2
- post-infectious syndromes
- myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)
- medical imaging
- nuclear medicine
- PET
- SPECT
- MRI
- CT
- ultrasound
- imaging biomarkers
- metabolism
- neuroinflammation
- microvascular dysfunction
- multisystem involvement
- diagnosis
- prognosis
- rehabilitation
- functional impairment
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