Iowa City, Iowa — University of Iowa researchers have developed a model so doctors can better detect compromised lung function in long COVID patients using X-rays. Typically, doctors need 3-D CT image scans to do this, because regular 2-D chest X-rays don’t give them enough information. UI mechanical engineering professor Ching-Long Lin says his team took information from CT scan images of 100 COVID patients and transferred it all into a 2-D model.
Lin says this could allow doctors to better diagnose and more quickly treat long COVID-related issues like small airway disease.
The new model will also be a plus for smaller medical facilities that don’t have expensive CT imaging equipment.
