High Resolution Computed Tomographic Chest Findings of Corona Virus Disease 2019 in Bir Hospital

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) has been detected in both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases .Symptoms of COVID 19 are usually non specific. Early diagnosis and isolation of the infected patient is must to control the spread of disease .CT chest can be used as primary tool for COVID-19 diagnosis in the epidemic areas because of its high sensitivity in comparison RT-PCR .CT imaging findings ranges from a normal appearance to diffuse pulmonary changes .The main aim of this study is thus to elaborate the HRCT chest findings in COVID 19 cases for early diagnosis and treatment of disease and to prevent spread of disease.

METHOD: Observational study with retrospective data was conducted within 3 months of period .RT-PCR confirmed C0VID-19 patients who underwent HRCT chest were included.Image analysis and CT scoring system for disease severity was calculated by two senior consultant radiologists. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 with the collected data.

RESULT: Total 144 cases (97male and 47 female) were assessed.12(8.3%) cases had a normal chest CT and 132(91.6%) had lung parenchymal abnormalities. Most common findings were GGOs with or without consolidations.Lesions were multifocal ,peripheral and bilaterally asymmetrical. Mosaic pattern, Crazy paving pattern and reticular opacities were seen. Other findings like fibrosis, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, inter lobular septal thickening ,subpleural bands, pleural thickening, pleural effusion and bronchial wall thickening were also seen .Moderately severe cases were com- mon while calculation CT severity score.

CONCLUSION: This article represents the diversity of chest CT features of COVID-19 pneumonia and focuses the importance of HRCT chest in early detection of disease determining the disease severity ,predicting prognosis and monitoring the response of treatment.