The thorax tomography correlation in COVID-19 RT-PCR positive patients

Abstract

Aim: Although the RT-PCR test of pharyngeal swabs is the gold standard for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19), radiological imaging techniques, particularly thoracic computerized tomography (CT) were also used frequently as needed during the pandemic. The aim of this study is to investigate thorax CT findings in patients with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and to evaluate its relationship with clinical features. Methods: This study included 311 consecutive patients who were hospitalized between April 1, 2020, and June 1, 2020, with COVID 19 diagnosis based on RT-PCR (+) results and underwent a thorax CT within 24-48 hours of admission. Symptoms, clinical status, co-morbidities of the patients were evaluated. Thorax CT findings were assessed by the Department of Radiology and the results were analyzed in relation to clinical status of the PCR (+) patients. Results: The study group consisted of 170 male (57.7%) and 141 female (42.3%) patients with mean age 46.7 ± 33.7 years. Among the COVID 19 cases, 51 (16.4%) were asymptomatic, clinical course was mild-moderate in 197 (63.3%) and severe in 63(20.3%). During follow-up 21 (6.8%) required intensive care and 10 (3.2%) died. The most common symptoms observed were cough (33.4%), weakness (30.2%) and fever (28%). The most commonly encountered co-morbidity in COVID-19 patients was hypertension (10.3%) followed by diabetes mellitus (7.7%), coronary artery disease (5.1%). Thorax CT findings were assessed as normal in 21.9% of the patients; viral pneumonia was detected in 20.9% and 27.7% were reported as compatible with COVID 19. Bilateral involvement was seen on CT scan in 49.2% of the patients. In regard to thorax CT imaging characteristics that suggest COVID 19 disease, the most common was ground-glass opacities observed in 181 (27.2%) and the least common was vascular enlargement in 4(0.6%) of the patients. Conclusion: COVID 19 is an air-borne disease that primarily affects the lungs. Thus, it is essential to define radiological lung involvement. The common CT findings of COVID 19 disease are similar to other viral pulmonary infections. The clinicians being familiar with common imaging features of COVID 19 would contribute to earlier detection and thus reduced mortality associated with the disease.