COVID-19 öncesi ve sonrası torasik bilgisayarlı tomografi analizi

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the changes in the number of Thoracic Computed Tomographs (TCT) taken from the emergency department (ED) and the general characteristics of the patients concerned. Material and Methods: The patients were examined in two periods as before and after March 10 (Period 1: January 1, 2020 - March 9, 2020; Period 2: March 10-31, 2020), the date COVID-19 first occurred in our country. Furthermore, if COVID-19 findings were present, the severity of the findings, the side involved (right lung, left lung, bilateral), the number of lobes involved, the type of the finding observed, the localization of the lesions were identified. Results: The daily number of TCT scans increased by approximately two-folds after March 10. A total of 400 TCT scans were performed in Period 1. In a total of 69 days, the average daily TCT number was 5.8, and the number of cases consistent with viral pneumonia was 21 (5.25% of the TCT scans on these dates). A total of 243 TCT scans were performed in Period 2. In a total of 22 days, the daily number of TCT scans was 11.04, and the number of patients consistent with viral pneumonia (COVID-19 included) was 44 (18.1% of the TCT scans on these dates). Conclusion: During this period, while it is still being debated whether COVID-19 is a biological attack or not, the significant increase in exposure to ionizing radiation with known risks is a matter worthy of discussion.