People With Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Exhibit Similarly Impaired Vascular Function

Mclaughlin, Marie; Sanal-Hayes, Nilihan E.M.; Hayes, Lawrence D.; Berry, Ethan C.; Sculthorpe, Nicholas F.

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to compare flow-mediated dilation values between individuals with Long COVID, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and healthy age-matched controls to assess the potential implications for clinical management and long-term health outcomes.
Methods
A case-case-control approach was employed, and flow-mediated dilation measurements were obtained from 51 participants (17 Long COVID patients, 17 ME/CFS patients, and 17 healthy age-matched controls). Flow-mediated dilation values were analysed using one-way ANOVA for between-group comparisons.
Results
Results revealed significantly impaired endothelial function in both Long COVID and ME/CFS groups compared to healthy age-matched controls as determined by maximum % brachial artery diameter post-occlusion compared to pre-occlusion resting diameter (6.99 ± 4.33% and 6.60 ± 3.48% vs. 11.30 ± 4.44%, respectively, both p < 0.05). Notably, there was no difference in flow-mediated dilation between Long COVID and ME/CFS groups (p = 0.949), despite significantly longer illness duration in the ME/CFS group (ME/CFS: 16 ± 11.15 years vs. Long COVID: 1.36 ± 0.51 years, p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that both Long COVID and ME/CFS patients exhibit similarly impaired endothelial function, indicating potential vascular involvement in the pathogenesis of these post-viral illnesses. The significant reduction in flow-mediated dilation values suggests an increased cardiovascular risk in these populations, warranting careful monitoring and the development of targeted interventions to improve endothelial function and mitigate long-term health implications.

Citation

Mclaughlin, M., Sanal-Hayes, N. E., Hayes, L. D., Berry, E. C., & Sculthorpe, N. F. (2025). People With Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Exhibit Similarly Impaired Vascular Function. American Journal of Medicine, 138(3), 560-566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.09.013

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 28, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Oct 12, 2023
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2025
• Deposit Date: Oct 12, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 14, 2025
• Journal: The American Journal of Medicine
• Print ISSN: 0002-9343
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 138
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 560-566
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.09.013
• Keywords: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Long-COVID; Flow Mediated Dilation
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4416065