Computed Tomography Grading Research Articles

Investigating The Clinical Manifestations, Severity And Outcomes Of COVID-19 Among Inpatients With Rheumatic Diseases: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study In Iran

Introduction — Patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) may be at an increased risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19. They are likely to have a wide range of manifestations and outcomes that can make it difficult to control the disease. The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations, severity, and outcomes of adult patients with RD hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods — We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. Eligible rheumatology patients were confirmed by a rheumatologist in compliance with American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and had COVID-19 confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Information about their gender, age, and clinical manifestations of COVID-19, along with the variables pertaining to the outcomes of the patients, was collected. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software. Results — A total of 105 patients with RD and COVID-19 were included. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was the most common disease (86 patients). Most patients were female (75.2%). The mean age of the participants was 58.97±12.25 years. Myalgia/arthralgia was the predominant symptom of COVID-19 (77.1%), followed by shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Only platelet count exhibited a significant association with the type of RD (p = 0.004). Conclusion — Common adverse outcomes included moderate severity based on CT grading, anemia, oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) below 90%, and severe CT-based grade of severity. The mortality rate was relatively high.

Predictive parameters for early detection of clinically relevant abdominal trauma in multiple-injury or polytraumatised patients: a retrospective analysis

Diagnosis of relevant organ injury after blunt abdominal injury (AI) in multiple-injury/polytraumatised patients is challenging. AI can be distinguished between injuries of parenchymatous organs (POI) of the upper abdomen (liver, spleen) and bowel and mesenteric injuries (BMI). Still, such injuries may be associated with delays in diagnosis and treatment. The present study aimed to verify laboratory parameters, imaging diagnostics, physical examination and related injuries to predict intraabdominal injuries. This retrospective, single-centre study includes data from multiple-injury/polytraumatised patients between 2005 and 2017. Two main groups were defined with relevant abdominal injury (AI+) and without abdominal injury (AI−). The AI+ group was divided into three subgroups: BMI+, BMI+/POI+, and POI+. Groups were compared in a univariate analysis for significant differences. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors for AI+, BMI+ and POI+. 26.3% (271 of 1032) of the included patients had an abdominal injury. Subgroups were composed of 4.7% (49 of 1032) BMI+, 4.7% (48 of 1032) BMI+/POI+ and 16.8% (174 of 1032) POI+. Pathological abdominal signs had a sensitivity of 48.7% and a specificity of 92.4% for AI+. Transaminases were significantly higher in cases of AI+. Pathological computed tomography (CT) (free fluid, parenchymal damage, Bowel Injury Prediction Score (BIPS), CT Grade > 4) was summarised and had a sensitivity of 94.8%, a specificity of 98%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 94.5% and, negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.2% for AI+. The detected predictors for AI+ were pathological abdominal findings (odds ratio (OR) 3.93), pathological multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) (OR 668.9), alanine (ALAT) ≥ 1.23 µmol/ls (OR 2.35) and associated long bone fractures (OR 3.82). Pathological abdominal signs, pathological MSCT and lactate (LAC) levels ≥ 1.94 mmol/l could be calculated as significant risk factors for BMI+. For POI+ pathological abdominal MSCT, ASAT ≥ 1.73 µmol/ls and concomitant thoracic injuries had significant relevance. The study presents reliable risk factors for abdominal injury and its sub-entities. The predictors can be explained by the anatomy of the trunk and existing studies. Elevated transaminases predicted abdominal injury (AI+) and, specifically, the POI+. The pathological MSCT was the most reliable predictive parameter. However, it was essential to include further relevant parameters.

Utility of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Appendicitis Severity Grade in Predicting Prognosis in Children.

The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) proposed a grade classification (I (mild) to V (severe)) to predict the risks and outcomes of acute appendicitis. However, its utility in children remains unknown. We investigated the relationship between the AAST grade and disease severity in children. We retrospectively evaluated 93 patients aged ≤16 years who underwent surgery for acute appendicitis between 2012 and 2020. The AAST computed tomography (CT), operative, and pathologic grades were analyzed. We collected data for demographics, length of stay (LOS), and complications. Trend tests were performed to compare the AAST grade and outcomes. Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the correlation between grades. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the factors related to LOS. AAST grades included CT (n=55), operative (n=93), and pathologic (n=93) grades. The number of complications and LOS increased significantly with the increase of every three-grade. Bland-Altman plots revealed that each of the three-grade correlated with each other. Multiple regression analysis identified AAST operative grades III-V as risk factors for prolonged LOS. Higher CT, operative, and pathologic grades were found to be significantly associated with an increased number of complications and prolonged LOS in pediatric patients. We further concluded that the AAST grading system could be useful in predicting the prognosis of acute appendicitis in children.

Radiographs demonstrate poor accuracy for evaluation of postoperative osseous integration of osteochondral allografts in the knee

PurposeTo evaluate the interrater reliability and accuracy of radiographs in assessing healing of osteochondral allografts (OCA) in the knee compared to computed tomography (CT) imaging. MethodsA retrospective review patients who underwent OCA transplantation of the knee was conducted. Postoperatively, knee radiographs were obtained at three and six months, and CT scans were obtained at six months. Three board-eligible orthopaedic surgeons independently graded postoperative radiographs, utilizing the grading scale established by Oladeji et al 2017, and the CT scans utilizing the grading scale established by Gelber et al 2021. Their consensus measurements served as a comparative gold standard. ResultsAmong 44 prospectively imaged grafts, 13 (29.5%) had radiographs at three months and 28 (63.6%) had radiographs available for evaluation at six months. Assessment of radiographic integration demonstrated low reliability (ICC: -0.02 to 0.14). On CT scan, this improved to fair reliability (k=0.29, p<0.001). However, Spearman rho between CT and XR grading demonstrated poor correlation (ρ = -0.23, p=0.04). Among six-month postoperative radiographs, accuracy of cyst identification was negatively correlated to greater degree of cystic changes from 90.9% (30/33 correct; no cystic changes) to 19.4% (7/36 correct; small cystic changes) and 33.3% (5/15 correct; large cystic changes). Overall true positive cyst detection rates on radiographs were 27.8% to 46.7%. ConclusionRadiographs demonstrate poor interrater reliability and accuracy in evaluation of healing after OCA transplantation of the knee. Notably, there was a high rate of missed cystic changes on radiographic analysis, as well as poor correlation of integration assessment with CT scan findings.

A Novel Intraoperative CT Navigation System for Spinal Fusion Surgery in Lumbar Degenerative Disease: Accuracy and Safety of Pedicle Screw Placement.

Background: In recent years, intraoperative computed tomography (CT) navigation has become widely used for the insertion of pedicle screws in spinal fusion surgery. However, conventional intraoperative CT navigation may be impaired by infrared interference between the infrared camera and surgical instruments, which can lead to the misplacement of pedicle screws. Recently, a novel intraoperative CT navigation system, NextAR, has been developed. It uses a small infrared camera mounted on surgical instruments within the surgical field. NextAR navigation can minimize the problem of infrared interference and be expected to improve the accuracy of pedicle screw placement. Methods: This study investigated the accuracy of pedicle screw insertion under NextAR navigation in spinal fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases. The accuracy of pedicle screw placement was evaluated in 15 consecutive patients using a CT grading scale. Results: Screw perforation occurred in only 1 of the total 70 screws (1.4%). Specifically, there was one grade 1 perforation within 2 mm, but no perforations larger than 2 mm. There were no reoperations or neurological complications due to screw misplacement. Conclusions: NextAR navigation can provide high accuracy for pedicle screw insertion and help ensure safe spinal fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases.

Invasiveness of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Clinical Significance and Integrative Diagnostic Strategy.

In this study, we aimed to determine the clinicopathologic, radiologic, and molecular significance of the tumor invasiveness to further stratify the patients with high-grade (HG) upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who can be treated less aggressively. Clinicopathologic and radiologic characteristics of 166 surgically resected HG UTUC (48 noninvasive, and 118 invasive) cases were evaluated. Six noninvasive UTUC cases with intratumoral tumor grade heterogeneity were selected for whole-exome sequencing (WES) to understand the underlying molecular pathophysiology. Barcode-tagging sequencing was done for validation of the target genes from WES data. Patients with noninvasive UTUC showed no cancer-specific death with better cancer-specific survival (p < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (p < 0.001) compared to the patients with invasive UTUC. Compared to the invasive UTUC, noninvasive UTUC was correlated to a low grade (LG) on the preoperative abdominal computed tomography (CT) grading system (p < 0.001), histologic intratumoral tumor grade heterogeneity (p=0.018), discrepancy in preoperative urine cytology diagnosis (p=0.018), and absence of urothelial carcinoma in situ (p < 0.001). WES of the heterogeneous components showed mutually shared HRAS and FGFR3 mutations shared between the HG and LG components. HRAS mutation was associated with the lower grade on preoperative abdominal CT and intratumoral tumor grade heterogeneity (p=0.045 and p < 0.001, respectively), whereas FGFR3 mutation was correlated to the absence of carcinoma in situ (p < 0.001). According to our comprehensive analysis, HG noninvasive UTUC can be preoperatively suspected based on distinct preoperative radiologic, cytologic, histologic, and molecular features. Noninvasive HG UTUC shows excellent prognosis and thus should be treated less aggressively.

Establishment and validation of early prediction model for hypertriglyceridemic severe acute pancreatitis

BackgroundThe prevalence of hypertriglyceridaemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is increasing due to improvements in living standards and dietary changes. However, currently, there is no clinical multifactor scoring system specific to HTG-AP. This study aimed to screen the predictors of HTG-SAP and combine several indicators to establish and validate a visual model for the early prediction of HTG-SAP.MethodsThe clinical data of 266 patients with HTG-SAP were analysed. Patients were classified into severe (N = 42) and non-severe (N = 224) groups according to the Atlanta classification criteria. Several statistical analyses, including one-way analysis, least absolute shrinkage with selection operator (LASSO) regression model, and binary logistic regression analysis, were used to evaluate the data.ResultsThe univariate analysis showed that several factors showed no statistically significant differences, including the number of episodes of pancreatitis, abdominal pain score, and several blood diagnostic markers, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum calcium (Ca2+), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the incidence of pleural effusion, between the two groups (P < 0.000). LASSO regression analysis identified six candidate predictors: CRP, LDH, Ca2+, procalcitonin (PCT), ascites, and Balthazar computed tomography grade. Binary logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that CRP, LDH, Ca2+, and ascites were independent predictors of HTG-SAP, and the area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.886, 0.893, 0.872, and 0.850, respectively. The AUC of the newly established HTG-SAP model was 0.960 (95% confidence interval: 0.936–0.983), which was higher than that of the bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) score, modified CT severity index, Ranson score, and Japanese severity score (JSS) CT grade (AUC: 0.794, 0.796, 0.894 and 0.764, respectively). The differences were significant (P < 0.01), except for the JSS prognostic indicators (P = 0.130). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed that the predictive results of the model were highly consistent with the actual situation (P > 0.05). The decision curve analysis plot suggested that clinical intervention can benefit patients when the model predicts that they are at risk for developing HTG-SAP.ConclusionsCRP, LDH, Ca2+, and ascites are independent predictors of HTG-SAP. The prediction model constructed based on these indicators has a high accuracy, sensitivity, consistency, and practicability in predicting HTG-SAP.

Superiority of Endovascular Coiling Over Surgical Clipping for Clinical Outcomes at Discharge in Patients With Poor-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Registry Study in Japan.

The differences in clinical outcomes between endovascular coiling (EC) and surgical clipping (SC) in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether EC is superior to SC and identify risk factors in patients with poor-grade aSAH. We used data from the "Predict for Outcome Study of aneurysmal SubArachnoid Hemorrhage." World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) grade III-V aSAH was defined as poor-grade aSAH, and unfavorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale scores 3-6) were compared between SC and EC after propensity score matching (PSM). In-hospital mortality was similarly evaluated. Predictors of unfavorable clinical outcomes were identified using multivariable analysis. Ultimately, 1326 (SC: 847, EC: 479) and 632 (SC: 316, EC: 316) patients with poor-grade aSAH were included before and after PSM, respectively. Unfavorable clinical outcomes at discharge were significantly different between SC and EC before (72.0% vs 66.2%, P = .026) and after PSM (70.6% vs 63.3%, P = .025). In-hospital mortality was significantly different between groups before PSM (10.5% vs 16.1%, P = .003) but not after PSM (10.4% vs 12.7%, P = .384). Predictors of unfavorable clinical outcomes in both SC and EC were WFNS grade V, older than 70 years, and Fisher computed tomography (CT) grade 4. Predictors of unfavorable clinical outcomes only in SC were WFNS grade IV (odds ratio: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.22-4.97, P = .012) and Fisher CT grade 3 (4.90, 1.42-16.9, P = .012). Predictors of unfavorable clinical outcome only in EC were ages of 50s (3.35, 1.37-8.20, P = .008) and 60s (3.28, 1.43-7.52, P = .005). EC resulted in significantly more favorable clinical outcomes than SC in patients with poor-grade aSAH, without clear differences in in-hospital mortality. The benefit of EC over SC might be particularly remarkable in patients with WFNS grade IV and Fisher CT grade 3.

Comparison of ultrasonographic and computed tomographic imaging of equine thoracolumbar articular process joints.

Osteoarthritis of the equine thoracolumbar articular process joints (APJs) has been linked to back pain. Changes are commonly diagnosed through nuclear scintigraphy, radiography and ultrasonography (US). (1) To assess the agreement of APJ grades between US and computed tomography (CT) images; (2) to assess the effect of location on the agreement of APJ grades between US and CT images. It was hypothesised that: (1) Periarticular modelling and modification of the joint space would have the highest and lowest agreement between US and CT images, respectively; (2) Caudal thoracolumbar APJ grades would have higher agreement between US and CT images than mid thoracic APJs. Comparative diagnostic imaging study using cadaveric specimens. Disarticulated thoracolumbar spines of six equids euthanised for reasons unrelated to back pain, underwent US and CT examination of the APJs. Images were assessed for periarticular modelling, modification of the joint space and enlargement of the APJ. Intra-observer, inter-modality and inter-observer agreement using multilevel weighted kappa statistics to evaluate the effects of location, US/CT characteristic and their interaction. Intra-observer agreement of US and CT grades ranged from moderate to perfect. Between T15 and L1, inter-modality agreement (CT vs. US) for periarticular modelling was moderate, and fair for enlargement and modification of the joint space. Inter-observer agreement (US vs. US) of periarticular modelling was substantial between T15 and L1, moderate between L1 and L5 and fair between T10 and T15. Wide confidence intervals (CIs) seen for most grades apart from inter-observer grades of periarticular modelling at T15-L5, introducing a degree of uncertainty into the results. Large prevalence index influenced kappa values, small sample size. Good inter-observer (US vs. US) and inter-modality (CT vs. US) agreement of caudal thoracolumbar APJ periarticular modelling. This US characteristic provides a measure of bone change, therefore supporting the use of diagnostic ultrasound. Inter-modality CIs were wide, highlighting the study and imaging modality limitations.

Comparison of 18F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography and computed tomography for imaging of the fetlock in 25 nonracehorses.

18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) has been validated as a useful imaging technique in the racehorse fetlock. The use of 18F-NaF PET in the nonracehorse fetlock has not been reported. To describe 18F-NaF PET findings in nonracehorse fetlocks, to compare with computed tomography (CT) findings and to compare PET findings between horses with and without fetlock pain. Retrospective observational study. All horses undergoing 18F-NaF PET and CT imaging of the fetlock between October 2016 and March 2021 were included in the study. Medical records were reviewed for associated lameness information. Thirty-six fetlocks (33 front and 3 hind) from 25 horses were included. The interobserver agreement for PET [0.62 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59-0.65)] was higher than for CT [0.47 (95% CI 0.43-0.51)]. Increased 18F-NaF uptake was most common in the medial subchondral bone of the proximal phalanx (23/36), the dorsomedial (20/36) and dorsosagittal (16/36) metacarpal/metatarsal distal subchondral bone, whereas sclerosis was identified on CT in these areas in 22 of 36 (p > 0.9), 33 of 36 (p = 0.001) and 23 of 36 (p = 0.15), respectively. Significant correlations were found between PET grades and both subchondral sclerosis and resorption CT grades (p < 0.001, Spearman r = 0.19 and 0.21, respectively). Abnormal 18F-NaF uptake in the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) was identified in 12 of 36 of the fetlocks, which was more common than CT abnormalities (3/36, p = 0.02). Periarticular increased uptake was seen in 7 of 36 fetlocks, whereas osteophytosis was recognised on CT in 20 of 36 (p = 0.1). Maximal standardised uptake values (SUVmax) were significantly higher in painful than in nonpainful fetlocks (22.0 and 11.9, respectively, p = 0.038). Retrospective study and limited sample size. Overall PET and CT findings follow a similar distribution in their location. PET identified more abnormalities in the PSBs than CT. SUVmax is a pertinent factor to take into consideration for the assessment of the clinical significance of findings.

Prospective validation of Bowel Injury Prediction Score for early diagnosis of surgically significant blunt bowel and mesenteric injury

Background Blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries (BBMI) are frequently missed despite the widespread use of computed tomography (CT). Early diagnosis for timely management of surgically significant blunt bowel and mesenteric injuries (sBBMI) can be challenging. Several tools predictive for sBBMI have been proposed such as the “Bowel Injury Prediction Score” (BIPS) that is based on presence of abdominal tenderness, white blood cell count ≥17,000/mm3 and CT grade. The utility of this scoring system for early diagnosis of sBBMI has neither been studied in an Indian population nor prospectively validated. Methods A single-centre prospective cohort study was conducted at a Trauma Centre in India. After screening of 1793 patients with blunt trauma abdomen who presented between 1st January 2022 and 31st August 2022 and underwent CT scan, eventually, 80 patients of age &gt;18 years, hemodynamically stable and CT finding suspicious of BBMI were included. BIPS score was calculated. Patients were followed to evaluate the outcome. Results The incidence of sBBMI was 3.06%. Mean age of study patients was 36.2 ± 16.5 years with male predominance (92.5%) and road traffic accidents the commonest mode of injury. Patients with BBMI were more likely to require operative intervention in the presence of abdominal tenderness at presentation (p &lt; 0.01) and CT grade ≥4 (p &lt; 0.01). For patients with WBC counts of ≥17,000/mm3, no statistically significant difference was noted in the need for operative intervention. BIPS ≥2 had 94.5% sensitivity, 72% specificity, 88% PPV, and 86% NPV for identifying patients with sBBMI. Conclusion Calculation of BIPS at the time of presentation can avoid unnecessary delays in surgical management and thereby reduce overall morbidity and mortality even in an Indian setup. However, WBC counts &gt; 17,000/mm3 were not found to be predictive of sBBMI.

Computed Tomography grading of fatty liver disease in alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients

Computed Tomography grading of fatty liver disease in alcoholic and non-alcoholic patients

Assessment of Brain Computed Tomography as a Practical Way to Predict Neurological Outcomes in Post-Cardiac Arrest Survivors

Objective: To evaluate whether a visual inspection of ischemic changes in brain computed tomography (CT) images, which is very practical in clinical settings, could predict neurological outcomes in post-cardiac arrest survivors. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed medical records and brain CT images of 62 patients who remained comatose after surviving cardiac arrest and had undergone a CT scan within 24 hours to seven days. Neurological outcomes at one month were assessed using the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC). The CPC scores of 1-2 and 3-5 referred to good and poor neurological outcomes, respectively. Findings from the inspection of the images were graded into grade 1 for absence of acute ischemic change, grade 2 for decreased attenuation of the grey matter in some brain region(s), and grade 3 for diffused loss of grey-white matter differentiation or apparent brain swelling. An experienced neurologist and a consensus group of four pre-clerkship medical students, blinded to the neurological outcomes, evaluated the grade of ischemic changes in CT images. Results: Positive correlations were observed between CPC and CT grading by both the neurologist (ρ=0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.90, p&lt;0.001) and medical students (ρ=0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.77, p&lt;0.001). The CT grading of 2 or more by the neurologist could predict poor neurological outcomes with specificity of 1.00, sensitivity of 0.89, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) AUC of 0.94 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.00). The evaluation by medical students showed an ROC AUC of 0.80 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.96). Conclusion: The simple visual inspection of ischemic changes in brain CT images showed a high diagnostic accuracy and could be a practical method for predicting neurological outcomes in post-cardiac arrest survivors. Keywords: Cardiac arrest; Post-cardiac arrest ischemic brain injury; Neurological outcomes; Computerized tomography

Dual Energy CT for determining the severity of acute pancreatitis

We aimed to quantitatively compare the iodine concentration measured by Dual Energy Computed Tomography （CT） between acute and mild pancreatitis cases and to evaluate the accuracy of the severity assessment of acute pancreatitis using Dual Energy CT. The contrast CT grade based on the guidelines in Japan and definitive diagnoses were evaluated. Iodine concentrations and C-reactive protein （CRP） levels were compared between mild and severe acute pancreatitis. The CECT grading diagnosed five false negative cases out of 41 patients. Only when the CRP reached the highest level, there was a significant difference between severe and mild cases. There were significant differences between the iodine concentration of severe and mild cases. Our results demonstrated measuring iodine concentration using Dual Energy CT is useful for severity assessment of acute pancreatitis.

Predicting and grading liver injury in the absence of computed tomographic imaging.

Even developed countries lack computed tomography (CT) scan in rural areas. Availability, affordability and accessibility of CT scan play an important role in the management of blunt hepatic trauma. A descriptive observational study among 56 hepatic blunt trauma patients as Group 1 and 56 non-hepatic blunt trauma patients as Group 2 enrolled retrospectively. Observational analysis of presence of liver trauma, grades of liver injury (I-VI) and clinical course with the liver function tests are done. Aspartate transaminase (AST) (P = 0.02) and alanine transaminase (ALT) (P = 0.003) levels were significantly elevated among Group 1. Significantly elevated levels in Group 1 than Group 2 of AST [467.5 (22-5097) vs. 95 (23-1780); P < 0.001] and of ALT [422 (28-1548) vs. 69 (20-727); P < 0.001] noted. Significant elevation of AST and ALT levels, as the AAST (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma) CT grade of liver injury increases, noted (P = 0.001). Using the ROC curve analysis, the optimal cut-off values of AST and ALT were set at ≥467.5 U/L and ≥111.5 U/L, respectively. At this cut-off, AST had sensitivity 50%, specificity 91.7%, PPV 85%, NPV 66%, ALT had sensitivity 85.3%, specificity 86.1%, PPV 85.3% and NPV 86.1% for liver injury. ALT is more sensitive for liver injury. AST peak is seen in the immediate period. Combining clinical assessment, transaminase levels and Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma improves the sensitivity and specificity. Transaminase levels can vary with ethnicity and local epidemiological diseases; therefore, optimal cut-off levels should be established for local population. This would predict and grade the liver injury, helping in early decision-making and avoid wasting the golden hour in trauma.

Association of Sinonasal Computed Tomography Scores to Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To perform a systematic review of proposed sinus computed tomography (CT) scoring systems and determine their association with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. A systematic search was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) for studies describing CT scores and PROMs in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. A total of 144 studies were included. Out of 20,741 patients, 53.6% were male and 55.5% had nasal polyposis. A meta-analysis of correlations revealed a moderate correlation between Lund-McKay (LM) and the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22; r = 0.434, P < .001) and a weaker correlation between LM and the 20-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20; r = 0.257, P = .039). Meta-regression also revealed a weak association between LM and SNOT-20 (n = 25 studies) but no significant associations between Zinreich score and SNOT-22 or LM scores and PROMs, including SNOT-22 (n = 94 studies), Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (n = 25), nasal obstruction visual analog scale (n = 15), Chronic Sinusitis Survey (n = 12), Total Nasal Symptom Score (n = 4), Total Symptom Score (n = 3), and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (n = 3). There is essentially little association between radiologic grade and PROMs. CT grading systems with improved clinical utility are needed.

In COVID-19 Patients, the Identified Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Tertiary Care Center of India.

AimThis study aimed to assess the demographic details of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients, their comorbid conditions, preexisting illnesses such as tuberculosis (TB), the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, duration of GI symptoms, gender-wise distribution of GI symptoms, age-wise distribution of GI symptoms, lab investigation, and computed tomography (CT) scanning was done to record the grading.Materials and methodsIn total, 956 COVID-19 patients admitted to an isolation ward of a tertiary care center were screened for 3 months. Patients were confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test with a throat swab. Patient's age, demographic details, preexisting illness, and GI symptoms such as fever, impairment of appetite, loss of taste, loss of smell, hiccups, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, symptom's duration, history of chronic drug intake, biological markers, CT scanning, and comorbidities were recorded. Based on the provided protocol, standard care management was given to the admitted COVID-19 patients.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. Frequencies with percentages, median (min, max), Chi-square test, and Mann–Whitney U test were used to test the statistical significance, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn our prospective study of 956 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, details were analyzed and the results are: the median age was 45 years, 70% of male, 60% were above 35 years, comorbidities like diabetes present in 42%, hypertension in 36%, asthma in 8%, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in 5%, and history of chronic drug intake in 21%.Among 956 COVID-19 patients, GI symptoms were loss of smell (29.2%), loss of taste (26.4%) for 3 days; nausea (10%), vomiting (7.1%), abdominal pain (12.7%), and fever (42.5%) were observed for 2 days among the 36–45 years of age-group; and the loss of appetite (19%) for 3 days among the age-group of 46–55 years.The loss of appetite (23.7 vs 16.9%) (p= 0.014), taste (32.4 vs 23.8%) (p = 0.005), nausea (14.6 vs 8.2%) (p = 0.003), and vomiting (10.8 vs 5.5%) (p = 0.004) were higher in females than in males. No gender difference was observed in loss of smell (p = 0.057), abdominal pain (12 vs 14.3%) (p = 0.491), hiccups (4 vs 2.1%) (p = 0.132), and fever (41.3 vs 45.3%) (p = 0.329).Females had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) than males (6.1 vs 3.8) (p = 0.002). No gender difference was observed in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.772), ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). CT-grade IV was higher in males than in females (1.7 vs 1.5%), but the rest of the CT grades were higher in females than in males.ConclusionIn conclusion, GI symptoms are the onset of symptoms that are first expressed after being infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several studies showed the GI symptoms but did not analyze the age and gender that are risk factors for any disease, but our study showed all GI symptoms and their association with age and gender, which will shed light for our clinicians for early symptom identification, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.How to cite this articleMurugesan M, Govindarajan R, Prakash L, et al. In COVID-19 Patients, the Identified Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Tertiary Care Center of India. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(1):24–30.

Computed Tomography Grading of Nasal Obstruction Severity in Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis Patients

Computed Tomography Grading of Nasal Obstruction Severity in Recurrent Acute Rhinosinusitis Patients

Predictive value of computed tomography for short-term mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review

The best available evidence and the predictive value of computed tomography (CT) findings for prognosis in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are unknown. We systematically searched three electronic databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov). A total of 410 patients from six observational studies were included in this systematic review. Of these, 143 patients (34.9%) died due to ARDS in short-term. As for CT grade, the CTs used ranged from 4- to 320-row. The index test included diffuse attenuations in one study, affected lung in one study, well-aerated lung region/predicted total lung capacity in one study, CT score in one study and high-resolution CT score in two studies. Considering the CT findings, pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 62% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30–88%), 76% (95% CI 57–89%), 2.58 (95% CI 2.05–2.73), 0.50 (95% CI 0.21–0.79), and 5.16 (95% CI 2.59–3.46), respectively. This systematic review revealed that there were major differences in the definitions of CT findings, and that the integration of CT findings might not be adequate for predicting short-term mortality in ARDS. Standardisation of CT findings and accumulation of further studies by CT with unified standards are warranted.

Emergency computed tomography evaluation of caustic ingestion.

Computed tomography (CT) is used increasingly for the emergency assessment of caustic injuries and the need for emergency endoscopy has been challenged. The study evaluates outcomes of caustic ingestion in the modern era and the feasibility of abandoning emergency endoscopy. Between 2013 and 2019, 414 patients (197 men, median age 42years) were admitted for caustic ingestion. Emergency and long-term outcomes of patients managed by CT and endoscopy (n = 120) and by CT alone (n = 294) were compared. Propensity score-based analysis was performed to limit bias of between-group comparison. A standard mortality ratio (SMR) was used to compare the observed mortality with the expected mortality in the general French population. Complications occurred in 97 (23%) patients and 17 (4.1%) patients died within 90days of ingestion. Among 359 patients who underwent nonoperative management, 51 (14%) experienced complications and 7 (2%) died. Of 55 patients who underwent emergency surgery, 46 (84%) experienced complications and 10 (18%) died. The SMR was 8.4 for whole cohort, 5.5 after nonoperative management, and 19.3 after emergency surgery. On multivariate analysis, intentional ingestion (P < 0.016), age (P < 0.0001) and the CT grade of esophageal injuries (P < 0.0001) were independent predictors of survival. The CT grade of esophageal injuries was the only independent predictor of success (P < 0.0001). Crude and propensity match analysis showed similar survival in patients managed with and without endoscopy. CT evaluation alone can be safely used for the emergency management of caustic ingestion.