Interlobular Septal Thickening Research Articles

Comparison of chest computed tomography features between pulmonary tuberculosis patients with culture-positive and culture-negative sputum for non-mycobacteria: A retrospective observational study.

Although complication with non-mycobacterial pneumonia among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) may lead to poor prognosis, discrimination between TB complicated with and without non-mycobacterial pneumonia using radiological imaging has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to clarify the differences in chest computed tomography (CT) features between pulmonary TB patients with culture-positive and culture-negative sputum for non-mycobacteria.We retrospectively included consecutive patients admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to December 2015 for bacteriologically-confirmed pulmonary TB, who were tested by sputum culture for non-mycobacteria, and who underwent chest CT within 2 weeks before or after admission. Chest CT features were compared between pulmonary TB patients who had positive non-mycobacterial cultures and in those who had not.Of 202 patients with pulmonary TB, 186 (92%) were tested by sputum culture for non-mycobacteria and underwent chest CT. Among these, non-mycobacteria were isolated in 118 patients (63%), while 68 patients (37%) had negative cultures. Patients with a positive culture for non-mycobacteria were significantly older and had lower levels of physical activity and albumin, higher levels of C-reactive protein, and a greater number of respiratory failures. By CT, emphysematous lesions, ground-glass opacities, airspace consolidation, air-bronchogram, interlobular septal thickening, bronchiectasis, pleural effusion, pleural thickening, and lymph node enlargement were more frequently in patients with a positive culture for non-mycobacteria. These chest CT features could be helpful for detecting complication with non-mycobacterial pneumonia in patients with pulmonary TB.

Control study of chest CT imaging features of aluminosis and silicosis patients

Objective: To understand the chest CT features of aluminosis caused by alumina and to improve the understanding of the imaging findings of alumina pneumoconiosis. Methods: The chest CT findings of 17 cases of alumina-induced pneumoconiosis and 30 cases of silicosis (the control group) diagnosed in Zibo Occupational Disease Prevention Hospital from April 2015 to July 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. The characteristics of fibrosis of the two kinds of pneumoconiosis and the incidence of size, density, distribution, tractive bronchiectasis, pleural thickening and interlobular septal thickening of pneumoconiosis nodules were compared. Results: Alumina pneumoconiosis showed nodules with thickened interlobular septal of 66.67% (12/18) , honeycomb lung of 22.22% (4/18) , ground glass shadow of 61.11% (11/18) , simple nodules of 11.11% (2/18) , and no fusion mass. In the control group, the long-line fibrosis of nodules with thickened interlobular septal were 16.67% (5/30) , 6.67% (2/30) with honeycomb lung and ground glass density shadow, 23.33% (7/30) with fusion mass and 53.33% (16/30) with simple nodule. There were significant differences in CT findings of nodules with thickened interlobular septal, ground glass density shadow, fused mass and simple nodules between the two groups (P<0.05) . The interstitial beaded nodules were seen in 18 cases of alumina pneumoconiosis, 50.00% (9/18) of them were beaded nodules, 61.33% (46/75) of low density nodules and 38.89% (7/18) of central lobular nodules were seen in alumina pneumoconiosis. The average width of nodules was (1.29±0.38) mm. Central lobular nodules were seen in all 30 cases of silicosis, 10.00% (3/30) were mainly beaded nodules, low density nodules were 36.29% (90/248) , and the average width diameter of nodules was (1.85±0.58) mm. There were significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05) . Alumina pneumoconiosis was often accompanied by traction bronchiectasis, pleural thickening and interlobular septal thickening (11, 18, 17 cases, 61.11%, 100.00%, 94.44%) , compared with the control group (9, 18, 18 cases, 30.00%, 60.00%, 60.00%) . The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . The maximum CT value of noncalcified mediastinal lymphnodes in alumina pneumoconiosis was (103.43±26.33) HU, which was higher than that of the control group[ (75.22±16.70) HU], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Alumina pneumoconiosis chest CT shows slightly low-density beaded nodules, thickened interlobular septal, and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis of ground-glass shadows, mostly combines with stretched bronchiectasis, thickened pleura, and mediastinum increased lymph node density.

Cross-sectional analysis of follow-up chest MRI and chest CT scans in patients previously affected by COVID-19

PurposeThe aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the agreement between chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) and to assess the diagnostic performance of chest MRI relative to that of CT during the follow-up of patients recovered from coronavirus disease 2019.Materials and methodsFifty-two patients underwent both follow-up chest CT and MRI scans, evaluated for ground-glass opacities (GGOs), consolidation, interlobular septal thickening, fibrosis, pleural indentation, vessel enlargement, bronchiolar ectasia, and changes compared to prior CT scans. DWI/ADC was evaluated for signal abnormalities suspicious for inflammation. Agreement between CT and MRI was assessed with Cohen’s k and weighted k. Measures of diagnostic accuracy of MRI were calculated.ResultsThe agreement between CT and MRI was almost perfect for consolidation (k = 1.00) and change from prior CT (k = 0.857); substantial for predominant pattern (k = 0.764) and interlobular septal thickening (k = 0.734); and poor for GGOs (k = 0.339), fibrosis (k = 0.224), pleural indentation (k = 0.231), and vessel enlargement (k = 0.339). Meanwhile, the sensitivity of MRI was high for GGOs (1.00), interlobular septal thickening (1.00), and consolidation (1.00) but poor for fibrotic changes (0.18), pleural indentation (0.23), and vessel enlargement (0.50) and the specificity was overall high. DWI was positive in 46.0% of cases.ConclusionsThe agreement between MRI and CT was overall good. MRI was very sensitive for GGOs, consolidation and interlobular septal thickening and overall specific for most findings. DWI could be a reputable imaging biomarker of inflammatory activity.

Evaluation of pulmonary involvement in systemic rheumatic diseases with high resolution computed tomography and pulmonary function test: A single-center experience

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological features and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in patients with the pulmonary involvement of systemic rheumatic diseases (SRDs). This study was conducted as a retrospective and single-center study. Patients diagnosed with an SRD and admitted/referred to the department of chest diseases of our hospital between January 2015 and June 2019 were enrolled. All patients were evaluated using High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) and PFT. This study included 68 patients (15 males, 53 females) with a mean age of 62.38 ± 12.4 years. Forty-one (60.2%) patients had diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 10 (14.7%) patients had sjögren's syndrome (SS), 8 (11.7%) patients had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 6 (8.8%) patients had systemic sclerosis (SSc), and 3 (4.4%) patients had mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). While RA, SLE, MCTD patients were more commonly symptomatic, most of the SS patients were asymptomatic. Overall, 30 (44.1%) patients had normal PFT. Although 30 (%44.1) patients were asymptomatic and 30 (%44.1) patients had normal PFTs, at least one imaging finding was found in all patients according to HRCT imaging. "Bronchiectasis" was the most common HRCT finding in RA, followed by "chronic fibrotic changes" and "peribronchial thickening". "Chronic fibrotic changes" and "peribronchial thickening" were the most common changes in SS. Similarly, "peribronchial thickening" was the most common radiologic finding in SLE. As for SSc, "chronic fibrotic changes", "interlobular septal thickening", and "pleural effusion" were the most common radiologic findings. Pulmonary involvement in systemic rheumatic diseases can occur with various radiological images even in asymptomatic patients. PFTs can be normal as well as an obstructive, restrictive or mixed pattern can be seen. Heterogeneous and combined HRCT findings can be seen in SRD patients.

Comparación de los hallazgos en la tomografía computarizada de pacientes adultos y pediátricos con COVID-19

ObjectiveInitial COVID-19 reports described a variety of clinical presentations, but lower respiratory abnormalities are most common and chest CT findings differ between adult and pediatric patients. We aim to summarize early CT findings to inform healthcare providers on the frequency of COVID-19 manifestations specific to adult or pediatric patients, and to determine if the sensitivity of CT justifies its use in these populations. MethodsPubMed was searched for the presence of the words “CT, imaging, COVID-19” in the title or abstract, and 17 large-scale PubMed and/or Scopus studies and case reports published between January 1, 2020 and April 15, 2020 were selected for data synthesis. ResultsInitial CT scans identified ground-glass opacities and bilateral abnormalities as more frequent in adults (74%, n=698, and 89%, n=378, respectively) than children (60%, n=25, and 37%, n=46). At 14+ days, CT scans evidenced varied degrees of improvement in adults but no resolution until at least 26 days after the onset of flu-like symptoms. In pediatric patients, a third (n=9) showed additional small nodular GGOs limited to a single lobe 3-5 days after an initial CT scan. ConclusiónEarly adult CT findings suggest the limited use of CT as a supplemental tool in diagnosing COVID-19 in symptomatic adult patients, with a particular focus on identifying right and left lower lobe abnormalities, GGOs, and interlobular septal thickening. Early pediatric CT findings suggest against the use of CT if RT-PCR is available given its significantly lower sensitivity in this population and radiation exposure.

Correlation between clinical course and radiographic development on CT scan in patients with COVID-19

BackgroundTo analyze the correlation between clinical course and radiographic development on computed tomography (CT) in patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to provide more evidence for treatment. MethodsThis retrospective, observational, cohort study enrolled 49 patients with Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19, which included 30 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Wuhan Third Hospital and 19 patients either admitted to or receiving telemedicine consultation from Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Xuhui Dahua Hospital, and hospitals in other provinces. CT scans were performed in all enrolled patients and the radiographic features including simple ground-glass opacities (GGOs), GGO with interlobular septal thickening, consolidations with GGO, and consolidations only were monitored by repeating the CT. The progression of these radiographic features was analyzed in combination with their clinical staging and the time interval between onset of symptoms to CT. ResultsBased on illness severity, the 49 patients were classified into four stages: mild (n = 6), moderate (n = 12), severe (n = 16), and critically ill (n = 15). The CT findings were classified into three phases: early (n = 5), progression (n = 39), and recovery (n = 5). Among the 49 patients, 9 had bilateral diffuse GGO or diffuse consolidations (white lungs) and were counted as 18 lesions. Three patients had no abnormal findings on initial CT, but their repeat CT showed new lesions. In all, we identified 892 lesions including simple GGO, GGO with interlobular septal thickening, consolidations with GGO, and consolidations only. ConclusionsMost patients had pulmonary lesions on the posterior, inferior, and peripheral lung fields on CT. The development of GGO with interlobular septal thickening, GGO with consolidations, and consolidations only happened mainly between day 8 and 14. The emergence of consolidations may suggest the progression to the severe phase of the illness, whereas simple consolidations or “white lung” may suggest a critically ill phase.

Simultaneous development of COVID-19 pneumonia and pulmonary metastasis in a known case of chondrosarcoma: a case report

BackgroundThe outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) started in December 2020, and is a global problem now. There are several sets of established data regarding computed tomography (CT) findings in COVID-19 pneumonia with many differential diagnoses. During the early days of the pandemic, there was little data regarding lung CT features of COVID-19 in a cancer patient. In this paper, we described a rare case of simultaneous presentation of COVID-19 with pulmonary metastasis.Case presentationA Persian patient with a history of chondrosarcoma presented to our clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic with a new-onset cough. He had experienced no recurrence during previous follow-up visits. Chest CT scan revealed numerous bilateral small peripheral and perilymphatic pulmonary nodules, unilateral ground-glass patch, and nodular interlobular septal thickening. Biopsy of the pulmonary nodules established pulmonary metastasis of chondrosarcoma origin, and pharyngeal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was positive for COVID-19.ConclusionPulmonary metastasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis of COVID-19 features in cancer patients in the pandemic era.

HRCT imaging features of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate radiographic features of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Patients and methods: 116 patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) from 2010 to 2019 comprised our retrospective study. All patients were subject to high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). ILD patterns were classified into 7 patterns as IIPs and analyzed with pathology. We chose two staging method and two semi-quantitative score methods to evaluate the HRCT performance and analyzed with pulmonary function tests. Results: Ground-glass opacities were the most common presentation on HRCT, followed by interlobular septal thickening, reticular opacities, intralobular interstitial thickening; honeycombing, traction bronchiectasis and nodules can also be observed. The most common pattern of SSc-ILD was nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), secondly was UIP. There was no difference in ILD pattern between HRCT and pathology, and revealed a high congruence. The four HRCT evaluating methods presented in this study all had significant relationships with PETs. Conclusion: The most common pattern of SSc-ILD was nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP). The ILD patterns of HRCT coincide very well with histology, and will replace pathology as the gold standard for diagnosis and evaluation of SSc-ILD.

Atelectasis in primary graft dysfunction survivors after lung transplantation.

Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is an important contributor to early mortality in lung transplant recipients and is associated with impaired lung function. The radiographic sequelae of PGD on computed tomography (CT) have not been characterized. We studied adult double lung transplant recipients from 2010 to 2016 for whom protocol 3-month post-transplant CT scans were available. We assessed CTs for changes including pleural effusions, ground glass opacification, atelectasis, centrilobular nodularity, consolidation, interlobular septal thickening, air trapping and fibrosis, and their relationship to prior post-transplant PGD, future lung function, post-transplant baseline lung allograft dysfunction (BLAD), and chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). Of 237 patients studied, 50 (21%) developed grade 3 PGD (PGD3) at 48 or 72h. PGD3 was associated with increased interlobular septal thickening (p=.0389) and atelectasis (p=.0001) at 3months, but only atelectasis remained associated after correction for multiple testing. Atelectasis severity was associated with lower peak forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and increased risk of BLAD (p=.0014) but not with future CLAD onset (p=.7789). Severe PGD was associated with atelectasis on 3-month post-transplant CT in our cohort. Atelectasis on routine CT may be an intermediary identifiable stage between PGD and future poor lung function.

Systemic AL amyloidosis presenting with diffuse alveolar septal involvement and respiratory failure: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundAmyloidosis is the extracellular deposition of amyloid fibril protein in any tissue or organ. The clinical manifestations of pulmonary amyloidosis are variable and without specific symptoms. We report a rare case of diffuse alveolar septal amyloidosis which is an extremely rare pattern of involvement, with a very poor prognosis, to improve our understanding of the disease.Case presentationA 27-year-old man complained of shortness of breath and cyanosis. High-resolution computed tomography revealed diffuse ground-glass opacifications with interlobular septal thickening in both lungs. The immune-histochemistry showed monoclonal lambda light chains. This case also showed nephrotic syndrome and cardiac arrhythmia, suggesting an involvement of the kidney and the heart. Diagnosis: The diagnosis was finally established by tru-cut transthoracic sonar guided lung biopsy (TSLB), and histological examination revealed Congo red-positive amorphous eosinophilic deposits in the alveolar sept. Interventions: The patient was admitted to a respiratory intensive care unit and put on non-invasive ventilation, then discharged on domiciliary oxygen therapy, and started treatment with chemotherapy melphalan 2 mg daily plus prednisone 60 mg daily immediately after the result of histopathology. Outcomes: Three months after treatment, dyspnea and hypoxemia improved, and he continued treatment. The patient was in a good clinical condition after 10 months of follow-up, but he died suddenly.ConclusionAs it is difficult to distinguish diffuse alveolar septal amyloidosis from other interstitial and granulomatous lung diseases because of their similar symptoms and imaging findings, thus, transthoracic sonar guided lung biopsy and histological examination is very important in the diagnosis of diffuse alveolar septal amyloidosis.

Temporal changes in the chest based on findings from imaging in severe patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia.

The aim of the present study was to observe the temporal changes in the chest based on findings from imaging in severe patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia. A total of 33 severe confirmed cases (20male patients and 13female patients) were enrolled in the present study between January31,2020 and March10,2020. Chest imaging findings and clinical data were collected and analyzed. The median age was 65years (age range, 25‑90years). As of April7, 2020, 24patients were discharged, and 9patients died. With regards to the clinical manifestations, 28patients had fever, 17patients had a cough and 15patients had shortness of breath. Of these, 29patients had underlying health conditions. Ground glass opacities, consolidation and interlobular septal thickening were the most common and typical chest computerized tomography (CT) scan abnormalities. A total of 6/33 (18.2%) patients had 1 affected lobe, 6/33 (18.2%) patients had 2 affected lobes, 5/33 (15.2%) patients had 3 affected lobes, 9/33 (27.3%) patients had 4 affected lobes and 7/33 (21.2%) patients had 5 affected lobes in the initial chest CT scan. The mean interval time between two consecutive CT examinations was 4.5days (range, 3‑9days). Most severe patients exhibited some degree of aggravation based on the CT findings in the 3weeks from illness onset. After 3weeks from illness onset, these severe survivors demonstrated improvements in the chest CT findings, which included complete absorption or only a few remaining fibrous stripes. Chest CT manifestations of patients infected with novel coronavirus pneumonia were diverse and varied. Severe patients had imaging features of rapid progression and slow absorption. Monitoring of chest imaging findings is vital to detect any changes in a timely manner.

Evaluation of Non-infectious Pulmonary Complications in Hematological Malignancies on MDCT: Decoding Imaging Markers.

Patients with hematological malignancies are at risk of developing of various infectious and non-infectious pulmonary complications. Common non-infectious pulmonary complications include pulmonary edema, leukostasis, diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) and differentiation syndrome. The overlapping imaging features pose diagnostic dilemma. We retrospectively analysed the CT findings in identifying differentiating imaging markers and developing an algorithm. 46 diagnosed patients of non-infectious pulmonary complications who underwent CT chest between February 2017 to March 2020 were included. The CT findings were recorded as parenchymal (GGO, consolidation, septal thickening, peribronchovascular interstitial thickening, and nodules), pleural effusion, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. We categorized non-infectious pulmonary complications as: differentiation syndrome (Group1, n=6), DAH (Group 2, n=8), leukostasis (Group 3, n=14),leukemic infiltrate (Group 4, n=5), and pulmonary edema(Group 5, n=13). Chi-square or Fisher exact test were used with p value 0.05 as statistically significant.Absence of diffuse GGO in Group 4, interlobular septal thickening in Group 2 and Group 3, nodules in Group 5, and peribronchovascular interstitial thickening in Group 2 were statistically significant. Presence of interlobular septal thickening in Group 5, nodules in Group 4, and peribronchovascular interstitial thickening in Group 5 were statistically significant. Based on the results, an algorithm was developed which may suggest a possible diagnosis in an appropriate clinical scenario.

Chest CT features in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection: a brief review article

Background: During the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, fewer children were involved compared to adults, and fewer data about the chest Computed tomography (CT) findings in children are available. Methods and materials: To perform this brief review study, the main databases of Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Embase, and Google have been used. The keywords of “COVID-19, SARS CoV-2, clinical features, children, pediatrics, chest CT, and computed tomography” were searched. The related studies were reviewed and based on the inclusion criteria, 17 studies were finally selected and assessed by two reviewers. The kappa statistic between the two authors was 78% for selecting the articles.Results: based on the 17 evaluated studies, the most frequent abnormalities were respectively patchy shadowing, ground-glass opacities (GGOs), consolidations mostly surrounded with halo sign, and interlobular septal thickening. The lesions were commonly multiple, patchy, nodular, and bilateral; however, they could be single, local, unilateral, and dense in some cases. And, most of the lesions have been detected in the right lower lobe.Conclusion: Compared to adults infected with SARS CoV-2, the symptoms were milder and the lungs chest CT imaging indicated smaller lung involvement in pediatrics; however, the patterns of imaging changes were almost similar.

The characteristics and evolution of pulmonary fibrosis in COVID-19 patients as assessed by AI-assisted chest HRCT.

The characteristics and evolution of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have not been adequately studied. AI-assisted chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was used to investigate the proportion of COVID-19 patients with pulmonary fibrosis, the relationship between the degree of fibrosis and the clinical classification of COVID-19, the characteristics of and risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis, and the evolution of pulmonary fibrosis after discharge. The incidence of pulmonary fibrosis in patients with severe or critical COVID-19 was significantly higher than that in patients with moderate COVID-19. There were significant differences in the degree of pulmonary inflammation and the extent of the affected area among patients with mild, moderate and severe pulmonary fibrosis. The IL-6 level in the acute stage and albumin level were independent risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis. Ground-glass opacities, linear opacities, interlobular septal thickening, reticulation, honeycombing, bronchiectasis and the extent of the affected area were significantly improved 30, 60 and 90 days after discharge compared with at discharge. The more severe the clinical classification of COVID-19, the more severe the residual pulmonary fibrosis was; however, in most patients, pulmonary fibrosis was improved or even resolved within 90 days after discharge.

Combining initial chest CT with clinical variables in differentiating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia from influenza pneumonia

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread in more than 100 countries and regions around the world, raising grave global concerns. COVID-19 has a similar pattern of infection, clinical symptoms, and chest imaging findings to influenza pneumonia. In this retrospective study, we analysed clinical and chest CT data of 24 patients with COVID-19 and 79 patients with influenza pneumonia. Univariate analysis demonstrated that the temperature, systolic pressure, cough and sputum production could distinguish COVID-19 from influenza pneumonia. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the clinical features are 0.783 and 0.747, and the AUC value is 0.819. Univariate analysis demonstrates that nine CT features, central–peripheral distribution, superior–inferior distribution, anterior–posterior distribution, patches of GGO, GGO nodule, vascular enlargement in GGO, air bronchogram, bronchiectasis within focus, interlobular septal thickening, could distinguish COVID-19 from influenza pneumonia. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the CT features are 0.750 and 0.962, and the AUC value is 0.927. Finally, a multivariate logistic regression model combined the variables from the clinical variables and CT features models was made. The combined model contained six features: systolic blood pressure, sputum production, vascular enlargement in the GGO, GGO nodule, central–peripheral distribution and bronchiectasis within focus. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the combined features are 0.87 and 0.96, and the AUC value is 0.961. In conclusion, some CT features or clinical variables can differentiate COVID-19 from influenza pneumonia. Moreover, CT features combined with clinical variables had higher diagnostic performance.

Efficacy and Safety of Thoracic Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With Pre-Existing Interstitial Lung Diseases: A Single Center Experience of 85 Cases

Background: Whether thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) could be applied to interstitial lung diseases and lung cancer(ILD-LC) patients safely remains unclear. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of definitive TRT in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC) patients with pre-existing ILD, and to analyze the associated risk factors for radiation induced lung toxicities (RILTs) in the clinical setting. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed LA-NSCLC and pre-existing ILD treated definitive TRT between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were evaluated to determine the risk factors for RILTs. Pre-radiation CT of all patients were reviewed by two radiologists and one pulmonologist and are scored according to Muller’s thin-section CT scoring system for IPF: 0-no discrete honeycombing, with interlobular septal thickening; 1-honeycombing involving 0-5% of the lobe; 2-honeycombing 6-24%; 3-honeycombing 25-49%; 4-honeycombing 50-74%;5-honeycombing >75%. Univariate and multivariate analyses with logistic regression models and cox proportional hazards approach were performed to identify the risk factor(s) of RILTs and overall survival(OS) respectively. Findings: Among 1261 LA-NSCLC patients, 85 were found with pre-existing ILD and enrolled in the analysis. 36·5% of them were scored more than 1 point on CT. 20% patients developed G3+ RILTs within 1 year after the last irradiation, with remarkably 11·8% dying from lung toxicities. And the incidence of symptomatic (G3+) RILTs abruptly dropped to 11·1%(6/54),3·8%(1/26),and 0%(0/19)for patients with CT score≤1, V20 1 and V20≥20% were independently associated with higher risk of G3+ RILTs. The median OS and PFS were 14·0 months and 7·4 month respectively. In the univariate analysis for OS, clinical stage and G3+RILT were evaluated as risk factors while patients in low-risk group, defined as honeycombing score<1 and V20<20%, had shown a protective tendency(HR=0·52,95%CI:0·27-1·04,P=0·063). In multivariate analysis, G3+RILT was the only independent risk factor associated with OS(HR=2·40,95%CI:1·32-4·36,P=0·004). However, the median OS of low-risk group was quite longer than the whole group (26·5 months versus 14·5 months), indicating that patients at low risk might benefit from thoracic radiation therapy. Interpretation: Honeycombing score >1 and V20≥20% were significantly associated with high incidence of severe lung toxicities, leading to poor survival. However, patients at low risk might benefit from TRT with a considerable overall survival. Funding: None to declare Declaration of Interest: None to declare. Ethical Approval: The study was approved by the institutional review board of National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (IRB No·NCC2612).

A Comparative Systematic Review of COVID-19 and Influenza.

Background: Both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus share similarities such as clinical features and outcome, laboratory, and radiological findings. Methods: Literature search was done using PubMed to find MEDLINE indexed articles relevant to this study. As of 25 November 2020, the search has been conducted by combining the MeSH words “COVID-19” and “Influenza”. Results: Eighteen articles were finally selected in adult patients. Comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients, while pulmonary diseases and immunocompromised conditions were significantly more common in influenza patients. The incidence rates of fever, vomiting, ocular and otorhinolaryngological symptoms were found to be significantly higher in influenza patients when compared with COVID-19 patients. However, neurologic symptoms and diarrhea were statistically more frequent in COVID-19 patients. The level of white cell count and procalcitonin was significantly higher in influenza patients, whereas thrombopenia and elevated transaminases were significantly more common in COVID-19 patients. Ground-grass opacities, interlobular septal thickening, and a peripheral distribution were more common in COVID-19 patients than in influenza patients where consolidations and linear opacities were described instead. COVID-19 patients were significantly more often transferred to intensive care unit with a higher rate of mortality. Conclusions: This study estimated differences of COVID-19 and influenza patients which can help clinicians during the co-circulation of the two viruses.

Spectrum of atypical pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 on computed tomography

BackgroundThe typical CT manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia include ground-glass opacity (GGO) with or without consolidation and superimposed interlobular septal thickening. These are often rounded in morphology and frequently bilateral, multilobar, posterior, peripheral, and basilar in distribution. The various atypical CT features of COVID-19 are seldom described in the literature. The study aims to enumerate the atypical pulmonary CT features in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in correlation with the disease severity.ResultsA total of 298 confirmed cases of COVID-19 pneumonia with positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) who underwent chest CT scans were retrospectively evaluated. The cohort included 234 (78.5%) men and 64 (21.5%) women and the mean age was 53.48 ± 15.74 years. The most common presenting symptoms were fever [n = 197 (66.1%)] and cough [n = 139 (46.6%)]. Out of 298 cases of COVID-19 pneumonia, 218 cases (73.1%) showed typical CT features while 63 cases (21.1%) showed atypical CT features with concurrent classical findings and the remaining 17 cases (5.8%) were normal. Among the atypical CT features, the most common was pulmonary cysts [n = 27 (9%)]. The other features in the order of frequency included pleural effusion [n = 17 (5.7%)], nodules [n = 13 (4.3%)], bull’s eye/target sign[n = 4 (1.3%)], cavitation [n = 3 (1.0%)], spontaneous pneumothorax [n = 2 (0.6%)], hilar lymphadenopathy [n = 2 (0.6%)], spontaneous pneumo-mediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema [n = 1 (0.3%)], Halo sign [n = 1 (0.3%)], empyema [n = 1 (0.3%)] and necrotizing pneumonia with abscess [n = 1 (0.3%)].ConclusionCT imaging features of COVID-19 pneumonia while in a vast majority of cases is classical, atypical diverse patterns are also encountered. A comprehensive knowledge of various atypical presentations on imaging plays an important role in the early diagnosis and management of COVID-19.

Follow-Up Study of the Chest CT Characteristics of COVID-19 Survivors Seven Months After Recovery.

Background: It has remained a concern whether any long-term pulmonary sequelae exist for COVID-19 survivors.Methods: Forty-one patients (22 men and 19 women, 50 ± 14 years) confirmed with COVID-19 performed follow-up chest CT and cardiopulmonary exercise testing at 7 months after discharge. Patients were divided into fibrosis group and non-fibrosis group according to the evidence of fibrosis on follow-up CT. The clinical data and the CT findings were recorded and analyzed.Results: The predominant CT patterns of abnormalities observed at 7 months after discharge were parenchymal band (41%), interlobular septal thickening (32%), and traction bronchiectasis (29%). Sixty-one percent of the patients achieved complete radiological resolution, and 29% of patients developed pulmonary fibrosis. Compared with the patients in the non-fibrosis group, the patients in the fibrosis group were older, with a longer hospital stay, a higher rate of steroid and mechanical ventilation therapy, lower levels of lymphocyte and T cell count, higher levels of D-dimer and lactic dehydrogenase, and higher quantitative CT parameters (opacity score, volume of opacity, and percentage of opacity) at discharge. Besides, oxygen consumption and metabolic equations were decreased and ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide was increased in patients in the fibrosis group. Logistic regression analyses revealed that age, steroid therapy, presence of traction bronchiectasis on chest CT at discharge, and opacity score at discharge, were independent risk factors for developing pulmonary fibrosis at 7 months after discharge. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the combined clinical-radiological model was better than the clinical-only model in the prediction of pulmonary fibrosis.Conclusions: The chest CT lesions could be absorbed without any sequelae for most patients with COVID-19, whereas older patients with severe conditions are more prone to develop fibrosis, which may further lead to cardiopulmonary insufficiency. The combined clinical-radiological model may predict the formation of pulmonary fibrosis early.

Medium-term chest computed tomography (CT) follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia patients after recovery to assess the rate of resolution and determine the potential predictors of persistent lung changes

BackgroundThe data on medium-term follow-up of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia survivors is scarce. Medium-term follow-up will generate knowledge and help in devising a structured follow-up plan and to facilitate enrolment in clinical trials assessing the role of antifibrotic drugs in modifying the course of disease in order to avert long-term pulmonary sequelae of disease. The study was aimed to evaluate the lung findings on a medium-term follow-up (3 months or more) chest computed tomography (CT) in COVID-19 pneumonia survivors, assess the rate of resolution or persistence of lung abnormalities and to identify the initial demographic, clinical, and imaging characteristics that could potentially predict the persistence of lung abnormalities on follow-up.ResultsOut of the total study cohort of 81 patients, 46 (56.8%) demonstrated complete resolution of lung findings and the remaining 35 (43.2%) had residual lung opacities on follow-up CT. The most common type of residual abnormality was ground glass opacity (GGO) (16/35; 45.7%), followed by parenchymal bands (9/35; 25.7%), mixed pattern of GGO and parenchymal bands (6/35; 17.2%), bronchiectasis (6/35; 17.2%), and interlobular septal thickening (4/35; 11.4%). Patients with residual abnormalities were older, had higher BMI, more comorbidities, lower SpO2, longer hospital stay, higher rate of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, higher WBC count, a higher CT severity score, and lower rate of steroid administration with all p values < 0.05.ConclusionNearly half of post-COVID-19 survivors had residual lung abnormalities after ≥ 3 months of follow-up. Certain clinico-radiological characteristics have the potential to identify the individuals at risk of having residual lung abnormalities on medium-term follow-up.