Microvascular Dysfunction and Basal Membrane Thickening in Skeletal Muscle in ME/CFS and Post-COVID

Anouk Slaghekke gave a poster presentation on the pathology and diagnosis of microvascular dysfunction and basal membrane thickening in skeletal muscle in ME/CFS and post-COVID syndrome. The presented study examined skeletal muscle oxygenation during maximal exercise as well as microvascular structure and function in muscle biopsies, using histology and electron microscopy. It compared patients with post-COVID syndrome, ME/CFS patients (diagnosed prior to 2020) and healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Post-exercise occlusion measurements indicated reduced tissue oxygen uptake and vasodilatory capacity in post-COVID and ME/CFS patients. Both patient groups also showed substantial capillary basement membrane thickening compared to healthy controls. Microvascular impairments in ME/CFS and post-COVID syndrome suggest inadequate skeletal muscle oxygenation, potentially disrupting metabolic homeostasis and contributing to fatigue and Post-exertional Malaise (PEM).