Chest CT Scan Findings Research Articles

Chest CT Scan Findings in Children with COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

To gather, summarize, and appraise the available evidence on: 1) the accuracy of chest CT scan in diagnosing COVID-19 among children, and 2) the characteristic chest CT scan findings associated with COVID-19 pneumonia in children. We comprehensively searched databases (MEDLINE, COCHRANE), clinical trial registries, bibliographic lists of selected studies, and unpublished data for relevant studies. Guide questions from the Painless Evidence Based Medicine and the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tools were used to assess study quality. A poor quality study showed 86.0% (95% CI 73.8, 93.0) sensitivity and 75.9% (95% CI 67.1, 83.0) specificity of chest CT scan in diagnosing COVID-19 in children. Thirty-nine observational studies describing chest CT scan in children with COVID-19 showed abnormal findings in 717 of 1028 study subjects. Common chest CT scan findings in this population include: 1) ground glass opacities, patchy shadows, and consolidation, 2) lower lobe involvement, and 3) unilateral lung lesions. Studies which investigate the accuracy of chest CT scan in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in children are limited by heterogeneous populations and small sample sizes. While chest CT scan findings such as patchy shadows, ground glass opacities, and consolidation are common in children with COVID-19, these may be similar to the imaging findings of other respiratory viral illnesses.

Development of a Scoring Method Based on a Chest CT Scan to Determine the Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients.

Introduction As COVID-19 shifts from pandemic urgency to endemic management, healthcare systems are faced with the evolving challenge of providing optimized care and adept resource allocation in this evolving landscape of the disease. However, the timely management and accurate assessment of disease severity remains a cornerstone of effective treatment. This study presents a pioneering scoring system, based on the primary chest CT scan findings, to predict patient outcomes and to equip clinicians with a tool that can expedite decision-making. Method A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 406 confirmed COVID-19 cases referred to two of our hospitals in Tehran, between February and April 2020. Radiographic and CT scan data were sourced from the imaging archive system and evaluated by a certified radiologist. We devised distinct severity scores for CT findings, demographic factors, and clinical indicators. These were synthesized into a comprehensive severity score to forecast critical patient outcomes, such as mortality, ICU admission, intubation, or extended hospitalization. Of the total cases, 161 (39.7%) were classified as severe, while 245 (60%) fell into the low or moderate severity category. Results The mean score of demographic, CT scan, and clinical characteristics was significantly higher for those in the severe COVID-19 than the non-severe group. The cutoff score for predicting the outcomes in COVID-19 patients for demographic, clinical, and chest CT scan factors was 2.5, 9.5, and 8.5, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that each unit increase in these scores elevated the odds of fatal outcomes by 24%, 2.8%, and 12%, respectively. Then, using the comprehensive severity score, which is the sum of the above scores, we further predicted the disease severity. Conclusion The findings suggest that our innovative scoring system, based on initial chest CT scan findings, serves as a robust predictor of COVID-19 outcomes.

Arterial Hypertension and Severe COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients: Data from a Cohort Study

Aim. To assess the association of hypertension with the severe forms and fatal outcomes of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Material and Methods. This retrospective cohort study involved adult patients (≥18 years old), admitted to the University hospital №4 of Sechenov University (Moscow, Russia) between 08 April 2020 and 19 November 2020 with clinically diagnosed or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. The cohort included 1637 patients. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes included intensive care unit admission (ICU) and invasive ventilation. Multiple logistic regression was performed to assess the independent association between risk factors and endpoints.Results. A total of 1637 patients were included in the study. 51.80% (n=848) of the subjects were males. The median age was 59.0 (48.0; 70.0) years and 55.90% (n=915) had pre-existing diagnosis of hypertension. Patients with hypertension had significantly more severe lung injury based on chest CT scan findings as well as lower oxygen saturation (SрO2). More of them were admitted to ICU and placed on invasive ventilation. The hypertension group also had higher mortality. Age, hypertension, glucose, C-reactive protein and decreased platelet count were independently associated with mortality, hypertension having the strongest association (OR 1.827, 95% CI 1.174-2.846, p=0.008). Age, hypertension, neutrophil count, platelet count, glucose, and CRP were independently associated with ICU admission, with hypertension having the strongest association (OR 1.595, 95% CI 1.178-2.158, p=0.002). Age, hypertension, glucose, CRP and decreased platelet count were independently associated with invasive ventilation, with hypertension having the strongest association (OR 1.703, 95% CI 1.151-2.519, p=0.008).Based on the multiple logistic regression models, odds of death, ICU admission, and invasive ventilation were higher in the hypertension group as compared to the group without hypertension.Conclusion. Hypertension can be an independent predictor of severe COVID-19 and adverse outcomes, namely death, ICU admission, and invasive ventilation in hospitalized patients.

Role of chest CT scan in patients with preexisting cancer and COVID-19 pneumonia

BackgroundDetection of COVID-19 in cancer patients is challenging due to probable preexisting pulmonary infiltration caused by many infectious and non-infectious etiologies. We evaluated chest CT scan findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in cancer patients and explored its prognostic role in mortality.MethodsWe studied 266 COVID-19 patients with a history of cancer diagnosis between 2020 and 2022. Chest CT images were reported based on Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) structural report and the CT score and pattern of involvement were noted. We used multivariate logistic regression models to determine the association between CT scan findings and mortality of the cancer COVID-19 patients.ResultsThe mean age was 56.48 (± 18.59), and 53% were men. Gastrointestinal (29.3%), hematologic (26.3%), and breast (10.5%) cancers were the most frequent types of cancer. The prevalence of atypical or indeterminate findings in the chest CT was 42.8%. Most radiologic findings were consolidation mixed with ground-glass opacity (44.4%), pleural effusion (33.5%), and pure ground-glass opacity (19.5%). The risk of death was higher among those who had typical chest CT for COVID-19 (OR 3.47; 95% CI 1.14–8.98) and those who had a severity of score higher than 18 (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.07–3.34). Also, presence of consolidation (P value 0.040), pleural effusion (P value 0.000), centrilobular nodules (P value 0.013), and architectural distortion (P value 0.005) were associated with a poorer prognosis.ConclusionLess than half of COVID-19 patients with a history of cancer had typical imaging features of COVID-19. Radiologists should be aware of atypical, rare, or subtle chest CT findings in patients with pre-existing cancer.

Clinical features and survival analysis of microscopic polyangiitis-associated interstitial lung disease:a retrospective study of 28 patients

Objective: To explore the clinical features, laboratory examination and imaging features of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), and to perform survival analysis. Methods: The records of 28 patients with MPA-ILD who were treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University were reviewed retrospectively from August 2014 to November 2021. The patients' clinical features, laboratory parameters, pulmonary function test, echocardiography, chest CT scan findings and therapeutic regimen were analyzed, and the relevant data were statistically analyzed. Results: There were 18 males and 10 females, with an average age of (70.1±9.3) years. Among them, 13 patients had a history of smoking. The main clinical manifestations were cough (14/28), fever (12/28), chest tightness, shortness of breath (12/28) and hemoptysis (3/28). Sixteen patients had renal involvement, and 78.57% (22/28) and 89.28% (25/28) of the patients had elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and ESR respectively. Sixteen (16/28) patients had increased rheumatoid factor (RF), and the positive rate of myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA) was 82.12% (23/28). 96.43% (27/28) of ILDs were diagnosed before or at the same time as MPA. The chest radiological pattern was mainly usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or UIP-like (15/28), followed by nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) (8/28). Compared with non-UIP-like patients, UIP or UIP-like patients were older (P=0.018), and had higher serum LDH level (P=0.041), but serum creatinine level was significantly lower (P=0.041). Univariate and multivariate survival analysis showed that inappropriate treatment (HR=9.81, 95%CI: 1.68-57.29, P=0.011) and elevated serum LDH (HR=4.11, 95%CI: 0.99-17.00, P=0.051) were independent risk factors for shortened survival of MPA-ILD, while elevated RF (HR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.06-0.91, P=0.037) was a protective factor for prolonged survival. Conclusions: MPA-ILD patients had fewer systemic vasculitis symptoms. Most of the ILD patients were diagnosed before or at the same time as MPA. The chest radiological pattern was mainly UIP or UIP-like, followed by NSIP. Early use of glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressant or rituximab could improve the survival rate of MPA-ILD. The elevated serum LDH was an independent risk factor for shortened survival of MPA-ILD, while elevated RF was a protective factor for prolonged survival.

Imaging Aspects (Chest Radiographic and CT Scan Findings) of COVID-19 with Clinical Classifications

Imaging Aspects (Chest Radiographic and CT Scan Findings) of COVID-19 with Clinical Classifications

Spectrum of HRCT Chest Findings in RT-PCR Positive Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients at a COVID Designated Hospital in Nepal

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic is grappling the world with the surge of infection time and again. Clinicians are trying to justify the ethics of public health care. Asymptomatic COVID-19 cases are going undocumented and most of them practice self-isolation. Studies have revealed significant radiological changes among RT-PCR positive asymptomatic COVID-19 cases. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to characterized chest CT findings of asymptomatic RT-PCR-positive patients in one of the COVID-designated hospitals in Nepal. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study where RT-PCR positive COVID-19 asymptomatic-close-contacts were subjected to HRCT chest. The HRCT images were evaluated by two radiologists for (a) characterizing the parenchymal involvement and (b) distribution of the involvement. The CT severity score (0-25) was calculated following the semi- quantitative scoring system which depends on the visual assessment of five lung lobes. Results: Out of 43, 26 (60.5%) participants had positive Chest CT scan findings consistent with COVID pneumonia. Bilateral lesions were present in 65% and 77% had multifocal lesions. The ground-glass opacities (92%), mixed (ground-glass opacities and consolidation pattern) (30.7%), and consolidation only (34.6%) were common chest CT findings. The median CT score was 3.5 (IQR; 2-6). Conclusion: Most of the RT-PCR positive COVID-19 asymptomatic patients had CT scan changes in lungs but with lower median CT score value.

Ventilatory Strategy to Prevent Atelectasis During Bronchoscopy Under General Anesthesia: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (Ventilatory Strategy to Prevent Atelectasis -VESPA- Trial)

Atelectasis negatively influences peripheral bronchoscopy, increasing CT scan-body divergence, obscuring targets, and creating false-positive radial-probe endobronchial ultrasound (RP-EBUS) images. Can a ventilatory strategy reduce the incidence of atelectasis during bronchoscopy under general anesthesia? Randomized controlled study (1:1) in which patients undergoing bronchoscopy were randomized to receive standard ventilation (laryngeal mask airway, 100%Fio2, zero positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP]) vsa ventilatory strategy to prevent atelectasis (VESPA) with endotracheal intubation followed by a recruitment maneuver, Fio2 titration (< 100%), and PEEP of 8 to 10cm H2O. All patients underwent chest CT imaging and a survey for atelectasis with RP-EBUS bilaterally on bronchial segments 6, 9, and 10 after artificial airway insertion (time 1) and 20 to 30min later (time 2). Chest CT scans were reviewed by a blinded chest radiologist. RP-EBUS images were assessed by three independent, blinded readers. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with any atelectasis (either unilateral or bilateral) at time 2 according to chest CT scan findings. Seventy-six patients were analyzed, 38 in each group. The proportion of patients with any atelectasis according to chest CT scan at time 2 was 84.2%(95%CI, 72.6%-95.8%) in the control group and 28.9%(95%CI, 15.4%-45.9%) in the VESPA group (P< .0001). The proportion of patients with bilateral atelectasis at time 2 was 71.1%(95%CI, 56.6%-85.5%) in the control group and 7.9%(95%CI, 1.7%-21.4%) in the VESPA group (P< .0001). At time 2, 3.84 ± 1.67 (mean ± SD) bronchial segments in the control group vs1.21 ± 1.63 in the VESPA group were deemed atelectatic (P< .0001). No differences were found in the rate of complications. VESPA significantly reduced the incidence of atelectasis, was well tolerated, and showed a sustained effect over time despite bronchoscopic nodal staging maneuvers. VESPA should be considered for bronchoscopy when atelectasis is to be avoided. ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT04311723; URL: www. gov.

Secondary Organising Pneumonia Among COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Secondary organising pneumonia (OP) induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection is a recently recognised complication of COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of OP among hospitalised patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and to assess whether disease severity and other clinical factors and comorbidities are correlated with OP development.We conducted a retrospective case-control study including hospitalised patients due to COVID-19 who performed a chest CT scan during hospitalisation and compared patients with clinical and radiological evidence of OP to patients without evidence of OP. Demographics, comorbidities, disease severity, dexamethasone/remdesivir treatment, laboratory results, and outcomes were compared between groups.One hundred fifteen patients were included, of whom 48 (41.7%) fulfilled clinical and imaging criteria for OP. Among OP patients, the most common chest CT-scan findings were consolidations, arciform condensations, and subpleural bands. OP patients had longer hospitalisation (19.5 vs 10 days, p=0.002) and more frequent ICU admission, but no significant differences in readmittance or mortality rates within 180 days compared to controls. In the adjusted effects model, the need for supplementary oxygen on the 21st day after symptom onset, the presence of Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement (OSCI) = 4, when compared to OSCI ≤ 3, and higher C-reactive protein on admission, were significantly associated with higher odds for OP. No other differences were identified between OP and controls after adjusting for other factors. The use of remdesivir or dexamethasone did not impact the diagnosis of OP. Only 38% of OP patients required treatment with high-dose corticosteroids.In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2-induced OP may be more frequent than previously thought, especially among hospitalised patients and patients with a more severe disease, particularly those who fail to improve after the second week of disease or who present higher inflammatory markers on admission. It increases the length of stay, but not all patients require specific treatment and OP may improve despite the absence of high-dose corticosteroid treatment.

Comparison of chest CT scan findings between COVID-19 and pulmonary contusion in trauma patients based on RSNA criteria: Established novel criteria for trauma victims

ProposeIn this study, we re-assessed the criteria defined by the radiological society of North America (RSNA) to determine novel radiological findings helping the physicians differentiating COVID-19 from pulmonary contusion. MethodsAll trauma patients with blunt chest wall trauma and subsequent pulmonary contusion, COVID-19-related signs and symptoms before the trauma were enrolled in this retrospective study from February to May 2020. Included patients (Group P) were then classified into two groups based on polymerase chain reaction tests (Group Pa for positive patients and Pb for negative ones). Moreover, 44 patients from the pre-pandemic period (Group PP) were enrolled. They were matched to Group P regarding age, sex, and trauma-related scores. Two radiologists blindly reviewed the CT images of all enrolled patients according to criteria defined by the RSNA criteria. The radiological findings were compared between Group P and Group PP; statistically significant ones were re-evaluated between Group Pa and Group Pb thereafter. Finally, the sensitivity and specificity of each significant findings were calculated. The Chi-square test was used to compare the radiological findings between Group P and Group PP. ResultsIn the Group PP, 73.7% of all ground-glass opacities (GGOs) and 80% of all multiple bilateral GGOs were detected (p < 0.001 and p = 0.25, respectively). Single bilateral GGOs were only seen among the Group PP. The Chi-square tests showed that the prevalence of diffused GGOs, multiple unilateral GGOs, multiple consolidations, and multiple bilateral consolidations were significantly higher in the Group P (p = 0.001, 0.01, 0.003, and 0.003, respectively). However, GGOs with irregular borders and single consolidations were more significant among the Group PP (p = 0.01 and 0.003, respectively). Of note, reticular distortions and subpleural spares were exclusively detected in the Group PP. ConclusionWe concluded that the criteria set by RSNA for the diagnosis of COVID-19 are not appropriate in trauma patients. The clinical signs and symptoms are not always useful either. The presence of multiple unilateral GGOs, diffused GGOs, and multiple bilateral consolidations favor COVID-19 with 88%, 97.62%, and 77.7% diagnostic accuracy.

Influencing demographic characteristics, comorbidities disease, and radiologic finding on mortality due to Covid-19 in Iran.

Recognition of death risk factors is urgently needed, not only to identify the defining clinical and epidemiological characteristics with greater precision but also to facilitate the appropriate supportive care and prompt access to the intensive care unit (ICU) if necessary. This study aimed to investigate the influencing demographic characteristics, comorbidities disease, and radiologic finding on COVID-19 death. Descriptive cross-sectional study included adult patients with COVID-19 from Imam Hossein. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities disease, chest CT scan findings, and outcome (death/survive) data were extracted from information health system (HIS), by using a data collection check list. To explore the influencing factors on mortality, logistic regression method was used. Result demonstrated that most patients who died because of Covid-19 were men (63.4%), more than 60 years (86.4%), married (95.8%), and self-employed (37.1%) with a mean age of 72.1 ± 15.46 years ranging from 22 to 93 years. Having comorbidities disease such as cancer, cardiac disease, diabetes, age, and pathologic chest CT findings was associated with death. In contrast, gender, marital, job, cerebral vascular disease, and HTN were not correlated. Identification of demographic characteristics, comorbidities disease, and radiographic finding correlated with death of COVID-19 can help clinicians in order to with rapid diagnose and triages of high-risk patients to have a better plan for the care of these patients.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of SARS-CoV-2 Patients. An Experience from Anbar province - West of Iraq.

The SARS-CoV2 infection emerged in Iraq in February 2020. In this study, we describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the initial SARS-CoV2 patients. A total of 529 patients were included in this study from April to August 2020 in Anbar province. Patients were confirmed to be infected in nasal swabs by real-time RT-PCR or chest CT scan findings. The gathered data included the demographic variables (age, sex, residency), presence of comorbidity (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, respiratory illness, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity), and history of contact with a known case of SARS-CoV2. The results showed that 64% of the patients were males and 36% were female, 48% of the patients lied in the age category 40-59 years, 74% had exposure history, 95% did not have a history of smoking, 46% were overweight, 60% had no comorbidity, 78% presented with mild/moderate disease, 70% had typical chest CT scan finding (CO-RAD 5), and 76% of patients showed positive PCR. The fatality rate is 16%. Most of the patients had a history of exposure to a confirmed case of SARS-CoV2 before the illness. The severity and outcome were correlated with risk factors and comorbidity. Combining chest computed tomography images with the qPCR analysis of nasal swab samples can improve the accuracy of SARS-CoV2 diagnosis.

Interstitial lung disease is a dominant feature in patients with circulating myositis-specific antibodies

BackgroundMany patients with polymyositis (PM) or dermatomyositis (DM) have circulating myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common manifestation of PM/DM, and it can even precede the onset of characteristic muscle or skin manifestations. Furthermore, there appear to be some patients with ILD and circulating MSAs who do not develop muscle or skin disease even after prolonged follow-up. We sought to determine whether ILD is equally or more common than myositis or dermatitis at the time of initial detection of MSAs.MethodsWe identified all patients found to have circulating MSAs at our institution over a 4-year period and assessed for the presence of lung, muscle, and skin disease at the time of initial detection of MSAs. Among those found to have ILD, we compared demographic and clinical features, chest CT scan findings, and outcomes between those with PM/DM-associated ILD and those with ILD but no muscle or skin disease.ResultsA total of 3078 patients were tested for MSAs, and of these 40 were positive. Nine different MSAs were detected, with anti-histidyl tRNA synthetase (anti-Jo-1) being the most common (35% of MSAs). Among patients with positive MSAs, 86% were found to have ILD, compared to 39% and 28% with muscle and skin involvement, respectively (p < 0.001). Fifty percent of all MSA-positive patients had isolated ILD, with no evidence of muscle or skin disease. Those with isolated ILD were more likely to be older and have fibrotic changes on chest CT, less likely to receive immunomodulatory therapy, and had worse overall survival.ConclusionsIn this study we found that individuals with circulating MSAs were more likely to have ILD than classic muscle or skin manifestations of PM/DM at the time of initial detection of MSAs. Our findings suggest that the presence of ILD should be considered a disease-defining manifestation in the presence of MSAs and incorporated into classification criteria for PM/DM.

Pleuropulmonary Blastoma (PPB) in Child with DICER1 Mutation: The First Case Report in the State of Qatar

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare intrathoracic malignancy, which arises from the lung parenchyma and/or pleura. PPB has strong genetic association with mutations in DICER1 gene. Despite being rare, PPB is the most common lung tumor in children below 6 years of age. International registry of the disease has a total of 350 cases worldwide. We report the first case of PPB in the state of Qatar, which presented as a large cystic lung lesion. The patient was first thought to have benign congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) based on chest X-ray findings. The diagnosis of PPB was suspected based on chest CT scan findings and was confirmed after surgical resection of the cystic mass. The case highlights the need to consider PPB in the differential diagnosis of cystic lung lesions in children and the need for further radiological imaging (i.e., CT scan), genetic testing, and/or excisional biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

COVID-19 Severity and Comorbidities in Diabetic Patients

Background: This study aimed to investigate the demographic factors, comorbidities, and laboratory results of diabetic patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 171 diabetic patients with COVID-19 admitted based on chest CT scan findings to the COVID-19 ward of Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Hormozgan, Iran from 1 March to 1 June, 2020. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test was performed, and the patients were divided into three groups (mild, moderate, and severe) based on the severity of disease. Then we investigated the demographic factors, comorbidities, and laboratory results of diabetic patients with severe COVID-19 severity. Results: Regarding comorbidities, there was no significant difference between the three groups. Moreover, there was a significantly lower lymphocyte count in the severe group compared to moderate and mild groups (P = 0.001). We showed the increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine to be significantly associated with increased disease severity (P = 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively). We also showed a significant difference in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels between different groups of patients (P = 0.002) with a higher level of AST in the severe group (P = 0.020). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and troponin were also significantly associated with an increase in COVID-19 severity in patients with diabetes (P = 0.013 and P = 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: There was a significant association between disease severity and BUN, creatinine, AST, LDH, and troponin levels in diabetic patients with COVID-19. There was no significant association between different groups regarding severity of disease and comorbidities.

Chest CT-Scan Findings of an Iraqi Patient with Symptomatic Covid-19 Disease

Background: On the first of June, 2021, 1,201,352 cases of covid-19 were reported by the Iraqi Ministry of Health, and 16375 patients died because of the disease. The aim of this paper is to describe chest CT-scan findings of an Iraqi patient who was observed early during June, 2021, and had symptomatic covid-19, but he didn’t need hospitalization. Patients and methods: A forty-year old school teacher developed covid-19 disease with fever, fatigue, anorexia, and cough. The patient recovered after about two weeks. Results: Chest CT-scan performed during first week of illness showed: (1) Multiple bilateral ground glass opacities. (2) Atelectatic bands. (3) Thickening of the interlobular septa. (4) Vascular thickening. Conclusion: The chest CT-scan findings in this Iraqi patient was rather typical of covid-19 disease and included the most commonly reported abnormality of ground-glass shadows.

Chest CT-scan findings of an Iraqi patient with symptomatic covid-19 disease

Background: On the first of June, 2021, the total number of the registered cases of covid-19 by the Iraqi Ministry of Health was 1,201,352 , and the total number of deaths was 16375 patients. The aim of this paper is to describe chest CT-scan findings of an Iraqi patient who was observed early during June, 2021, and had symptomatic covid-19, but he didn’t need hospitalization. Patients and methods: A forty-year old school teacher developed covid-19 disease with fever, fatigue, anorexia, and cough. The patient recovered after about two weeks. Results: Chest CT-scan performed during first week of illness showed: (1) Multiple bilateral ground glass opacities. (2) Atelectatic bands. (3) Thickening of the interlobular septa. (4) Vascular thickening. Conclusion: The chest CT-scan findings in this Iraqi patient was rather typical of covid-19 disease and included the most commonly reported abnormality of ground-glass shadows

The relationship between CT scan and incidence of intrathoracic thymoma metastases in Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta

Background: Intrathoracic metastases are the most common form of metastasis in thymoma patients that influences the patient's life expectancy. Observing the tumor profile based on CT scan images is one of the ways that can be used to predict the presence of intrathoracic metastases in thymoma patients. However, there are not many studies reported.Methods: This observational analytic study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted on 60 thymoma patients who had undergone a chest CT scan at Dr Moewardi General Hospital Surakarta and held from September 2020 to February 2021. Two research variables were used: the incidence of intrathoracic metastases as the dependent variable and the thymoma CT scan image as the independent variable. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0 software, including hypothesis testing and Chi-Square test with a 95% confidence level.Results: Intrathoracic metastases were found in 78.3% of the thymomas patients. Based on the analysis between chest CT scan findings and the presence of intrathoracic metastases in thymoma patients, it was found that a significant association between tumor density and the incidence of intrathoracic metastases with heterogeneous density increased the risk of intrathoracic metastases 6.72 times higher with a form of subpleural nodules and pleural effusions with a p-value of 0.037 and 0.027.Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between thymoma density based on a chest CT scan and the incidence of intrathoracic metastases in Dr. Moewardi General Hospital Surakarta.

Chest CT-scan findings of an Iraqi patient with symptomatic covid-19 disease

Chest CT-scan findings of an Iraqi patient with symptomatic covid-19 disease

Clinical, Radiological and Functional Characteristics of Pulmonary Diseases among HTLV-1 Infected Patients without Prior Active Tuberculosis Infection.

The lifelong infection with the human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has been associated with a variety of clinical manifestations; one of the less-explored is HTLV-1-associated pulmonary disease. Imaging of lung damage caused by the HTLV-1 hyperinflammatory cascade can be similar to sequelae from TB infection. Our study aims to describe the pulmonary lesions of HTLV-1-positive patients without past or current active TB and evaluate pulmonary function. We found that nine out of fourteen patients with no known TB disease history presented bronchiectasis, mainly found bilaterally while five presented pulmonary fibrosis. A normal pattern was found in most patients with a pulmonary functional test. Furthermore, there was no association between the PVL and the chest-CT scan findings, nor with spirometry results. However, the sample size was insufficient to conclude it.