Thorax Computed Tomography Findings Research Articles

Imaging the Impact: Computed Tomography Thorax in COVID-19 - A Comprehensive Review and Clinical Analysis

This comprehensive review and clinical analysis explore the pivotal role of thorax computed tomography (CT) in the context of COVID-19. As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, the need for effective diagnostic tools and management strategies remains paramount. This review meticulously examines the impact of thorax CT imaging on the understanding, diagnosis, and clinical management of COVID-19. The review encompasses an extensive analysis of the existing literature, shedding light on the nuances of thorax CT findings in COVID-19 patients. It explores the characteristic imaging features, such as ground-glass opacities, consolidations, and other pulmonary abnormalities, providing insights into the pathophysiology of the disease. Furthermore, the clinical analysis component synthesizes data from diverse studies to elucidate the diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity of thorax CT, particularly in cases where molecular testing may present challenges. The review also delves into the role of thorax CT in early detection, risk stratification, and longitudinal monitoring of patients with COVID-19, offering valuable perspectives for healthcare professionals. Importantly, considerations of radiation exposure and ethical use of thorax CT are addressed, emphasizing the judicious integration of imaging into clinical practice. The article concludes with practical recommendations for optimizing the utility of thorax CT in the broader context of COVID-19 diagnosis and patient care.

Diagnostic Value of Lung Ultrasonography in COVID-19 Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department

Aim: It was aimed to investigate whether ultrasonographic evaluation of the lungs has a diagnostic value for COVID-19 pneumonia in patients who presented to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in the Emergency Medicine Department of XXX Hospital over 2 months. A total number of 204 adult patients who presented with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 were included in the study. The findings and results obtained from the Lung Ultrasonography (LUS) and Thorax Computed Tomography (CT) were collected. Results: 112 patients had Thorax CT findings consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia. 104 (92.86%) of them were “LUS positive”. The sensitivity of LUS in the diagnosis of COVID-19 was 93.33% and specificity was 80%, Positive Predictive Value was 82.96%, and Negative Predictive Value was 92%. Patchy B-lines was the most sensitive LUS finding. ROC analysis was performed for two different COVID-19 LUS scores: In the patient group, an “LUS score” above 13 had a 80% sensitivity and 52.63% specificity in terms of 14-day mortality. Also a “Total LUS Score” above 13 had a sensitivity of 79.46% and specificity of 57.89% for 14-day mortality. Conclusion: LUS can assist the emergency physician in triage and clinical decision-making in COVID-19. We have defined a novel COVID-19 “Total LUS Score”. This score had a better specificity, and similar sensitivity compared to “LUS Score” which was defined in the literature before, and both were found to be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Patchy B-lines (89.3%) and Pleural Thickening (63.4%) are the most common COVID-19 related findings in LUS. It is recommended to look for these two findings in patients with suspected COVID-19.

The relationship between thorax computed tomography findings and prognosis in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

This study aimed to demonstrate the relationship between thorax computed tomography (CT) findings at the time of admission and prognosis using a semiquantitative CT severity scoring system in patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who tested positive for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A total of 305 patients aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and underwent thorax CT at the time of admission, were included in the study between March and July 2020. The demographic data of the patients, their presenting complaints at the time of admission, RT-PCR results, and thorax CT images were scanned retrospectively from electronic medical records. Lesions on thorax CT were evaluated for the presence of ground glass opacity, consolidation, and septal thickening and scoring. No significant relationship was found between mortality and CT score or other parameters. A significant relationship was found between admission to the intensive care unit and CT scoring (p=0.014), aortic diameter (p=0.032), chronic pulmonary disease (p=0.004), halo sign (p=0.031), mortality (p<0.001), fever (p=0.038), and dyspnea (p=0.031). A statistically significant difference was detected in the score parameter between discharged patients and intensive care unit patients who survived and those who died (p<0.001). In the parameter of the number of lobes, a statistically significant difference was found only between discharged patients and intensive care unit patients who survived (p=0.016). Thorax CT is an advisor for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis assessment of the disease. Semiquantitative CT severity scoring can provide valuable information about the prognosis of the patient.

Are the thorax Computed Tomography findings of ICU patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia related to the duration of hospital stay and mortality?

IntroductionQuantitative thorax Computed Tomography (CT) is used to determine the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. With a new approach, quantitative thoracic CT is to contribute to the triage of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in the ICU and to evaluate its relation with mortality by taking into account the vaccination status. MethodsFifty-six patients who had a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia confirmed in the adult ICU were evaluated retrospectively. To evaluate the degree of parenchymal involvement, the quantitative CT “craniocaudal diameter of the thorax/craniocaudal largest lesion diameter (CCDT/CCDL)” ratio and semi-quantitative total CT severity scores (TCTSS) (0:0%; 1:1–25%; 2:26–50%; 3:51–75% and 4:76–100%) were calculated. Both methods were analyzed with comparative ROC curves for predicting mortality. The effects of vaccines on thorax CT findings and laboratory parameters were also investigated. ResultsThe sensitivities and specificities were found to be 72.5%, 75.61%, and 80%, 73.33% when CCDT/CCDL and TCTSS cutoff value was taken <1.4, and >9, respectively, to predict mortality in COVID-19 pneumonia (Area Under the Curve = AUC = 0.797 and 0.752). Both methods predicted mortality well and no statistical differences were detected between them (p = 0.3618). In vaccinated patients, CRP was higher (p = 0.045), and LDH and ferritin were lower (p = 0.049, p = 0.004). The number of lobes involved was lower in the vaccinated group (p = 0.001). ConclusionsThe quantitative CT score (CCDT/CCDL) may play as important a role as TCTSS in diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia, determining the severity of the disease, and predicting the related mortality. COVID-19 vaccines may affect laboratory parameters and cause less pneumonia on thoracic CT than in unvaccinated individuals.

Evaluation of thorax computed tomography findings of patients with COVID-19 associated myocarditis

Evaluation of thorax computed tomography findings of patients with COVID-19 associated myocarditis

Laboratory Measurements and Thorax Computed Tomography Findings for Inpatient Pregnant with COVID-19

Laboratory Measurements and Thorax Computed Tomography Findings for Inpatient Pregnant with COVID-19

Post-COVID corticosteroid use and pulmonary fibrosis: 1 year follow-up

Purpose: Depending on the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 disease, pulmonary sequelae and fibrotic lung disease continue to pose significant problems for patients in the post-COVID period. In our study, we aimed to determine the risk factors for pulmonary sequelae and fibrosis with post-COVID patient management.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study comprised 67 post-COVID patients who were released from the hospital after receiving low-dose corticosteroids (0.5 mg/kg daily methylprednisolone) as a result of COVID-19. Socio-demographic data, radiological and laboratory findings of the patients were recorded. All patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge, and the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis was made according to high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings, by evaluating with detailed biochemical blood tests and HRCT.&#x0D; Results: Thirtyfour (50.7%) of the 67 patients were male and the mean age was 57±16.33 (min.19–max.90). At 3 months, there were 59 patients (88.1%) with aberrant thoracic computed tomography (CT) findings, 28 (41.8%) at 6 months, and 21 (31.3%) at 12 months. In the 12th month follow-up, pulmonary fibrosis was detected in a total of 9 (13.4%) patients according to thorax CT findings. &#x0D; Conclusion: In our study, the most important risk factors for the development of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis were intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up, lymphocyte count

Classification of thorax computed tomography findings of Covid-19 patients, their correlation with clinical and laboratory data

Aim: The aim of the study is to classify patients infected with Covid-19 in our population according to the radiological consensus defined by Radiology Society of North America (RSNA) and American College of Radiology (ACR) and to show the relationship of the patients with clinical-laboratory findings.&#x0D; Material and Methods: 127 cases (74 males, 53 females; age range 19-92 years) who applied to Ankara City Hospital with symptoms such as fever, cough and respiratory distress and whose laboratory findings were compatible with Covid-19 were included in our study. The thorax computed tomography (CT) findings of the cases were classified according to the RSNA criteria and their relationship with clinical-laboratory data was statistically evaluated.&#x0D; Results: 47.2% of them had fever, 62.2% cough, 22 dyspnea, 4.7% diarrhea and 28.3% fatigue-malaise symptoms. When the thorax CT findings were evaluated, 55% of the patients had a typical appearance, 21% intermediate appearance, 11% atypical appearance and 13% negative appearance.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is obvious that thoracic CT examination has many advantages in evaluating Covid-19 pneumonia. However, it was concluded that more observations should be made in order to classify the findings better and to reveal their relationship with clinical-laboratory findings.

Diagnostic Value of Radiographic Characteristics of Mediastinal and Hilar Lymph Nodes in Sarcoidosis.

OBJECTIVE:In this study, it was aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of thorax computed tomography, which is a non-invasive method, in diagnosing sarcoidosis.MATERIALS AND Methods:In our Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases between January 1, 2013, and July 1, 2019, the data of 816 patients who underwent endobronchial ultrasonography for mediastinal lymph node sampling and other sampling methods, such as mediastinoscopy, thoracotomy, etc., if the histopathological diagnosis could not be reached, were retrospectively screened and 192 patients (sarcoidosis: 62, non-sarcoidosis: 130 patients) who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis and patients diagnosed with non-sarcoidosis were compared in terms of thorax computed tomography findings (mediastinal lymph nodes and lung parenchymal involvement). Results:Right upper paratracheal (72.6 vs. 46.9%, P = .001) and paraaortic lymph node involvement (79.0% vs. 60.8%, P = .01), hilar symmetry (88.5 vs. 58.3%, P < .001), and homogeneity in lymph nodes (80.6% vs. 56.9%, P = .001) were found to be significantly higher in the sarcoidosis group. Lymph node sizes were smaller in the sarcoidosis group and the mean density (51.3 Hounsfield unit vs. 44.1 Hounsfield unit, P = .002) was significantly higher. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of homogeneity in the lymph nodes is 4.3-fold more likely to increase sarcoidosis, the presence of hilar symmetry 9.1-fold, the involvement of the right lower paratracheal lymph node 2.7-fold, the mean lymphadenopathy density >48 Hounsfield unit 4.3-fold, the maximum diameter of lymphadenopathy less than 27.5 mm 4.7-fold. Conclusion:This study revealed that the localization, size, density, and homogeneity of mediastinal lymph nodes will help clinicians to diagnose patients with sarcoidosis without using invasive methods.

Can Thorax Computed Tomography Severity Score in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients Differentiate Smokers from Non-smokers?

OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to explore the impact of smoking history on the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 radiologic findings. Therefore, we compared the computed tomography severity scores of smoking coronavirus disease 2019 patients with those of non-smoking coronavirus disease 2019 patients.MATERIAL AND METHODSA total of 121 patients were included in our study group. We retrospectively reviewed 121 patients who underwent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction sampling and computed tomography examination in our hospital between April 1, 2020, and July 30, 2020. All computed tomography images were independently reviewed by 2 radiologists.ResultsThere were 15 (12.4%) active smokers, 38 (31.4%) former smokers, and 68 (56.2%) never-smokers in this study. Among the 85 patients with evidence of pneumonia in thorax computed tomography, mean computed tomography severity scores were 8.02 and standard deviation 5.812. Computed tomography severity scores for patients with pathological computed tomography scans (n = 85) were performed for evaluating smoking status (never-smokers and smokers). We found a statistically significant relationship between computed tomography severity scores of never-smokers (n = 39) and smokers (n = 46) (Z = 2.243, P = .025). The computed tomography severity scores threshold for differentiating smokers in our study group was 8, with a sensitivity of 52.2% and a specificity of 79.5%. Among the 121 patients, 34 (28.1%) were in the asymptomatic group, 36 (29.75%) were in the mild group, 28 (23.14%) were in the common group, and 23 (19.0%) were in the severe group with severe pneumonia and respiratory distress. Five (1.47%), 16 (44.44%), 14 (50%), and 18 (78.26%) of the patients in these groups were smoking, respectively.ConclusionAmong coronavirus disease 2019 patients, smoking is associated with the progression of the disease and increased adverse effects. In our study, smoking status was significantly correlated with thorax computed tomography findings on admission. Computed tomography severity scores assessment helps to evaluate the disease extent in coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

Case Series: Are the centriacinar nodulary pattern related to Covid-19 Pneumonia?

Introduction: Throughout the world, during the pandemic process, Thorax Computed Tomography (CT) contributed to the diagnosis with higher sensitivity than laboratory tests in COVID-19 pneumonia. Material and Methods: During the pandemic period, 224 COVID-19 Pneumonia cases were followed in our chest diseases clinic. Throughout the pandemic, thorax CT was performed in all cases according to World Health, Organization, European Radiology Association and health ministry guidelines. Thorax CT’s of the cases were evaluated and reported by a Radiologist and a Chest Diseases Specialist. Cases with a rare COVID-19 finding with a centracinar nodule were collected. Results: Demographic data, symptoms, physical examination findings, rt-PCR test results, posteroanterior chest x-ray findings and Thorax CT findings of the cases followed in our clinic were recorded. During the 3-month period, 224 cases were followed in the chest diseases clinic. Sentriacinar nodule pattern was observed in thorax CT in 11 cases. Conclusions: Our case series is presented in terms of the necessity to investigate the case in terms of COVID-19 pneumonia with symptoms and findings in patients with a rare pattern of centriacinar nodule.

Thorax computed tomography findings and anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G levels in polymerase chain reaction-negative probable COVID-19 cases.

This study aimed to evaluate the SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels after 6 months of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative but assumed to be COVID-19 positive cases to investigate the relationship between IgG levels and thoracic computed tomography (CT) findings. This was a single-center study that included patients whose PCR test results were negative at least three times using nasopharyngeal swabs but had clinical findings of COVID-19 and thoracic CT findings compatible with viral pneumonia. Six months after discharge, the IgG antibodies were analyzed. The cutoff value for negative and positive serology was defined as <1.4 (index S/C) and ≥1.4 (index S/C), respectively. In addition, the patients were categorized according to their thoracic CT findings as high (typical) and low (atypical). Also, the patients were grouped into classes as <5% lung involvement versus ≥5% lung involvement. The patients' mean age was 49.78±12.96 years. PCR was negative, but patients with COVID-19 symptoms who had SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive were 81.9% (n=95). The antibody titer and lung involvement ≥5% were statistically significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive cases (p<0.001 and p=0.021). Age and chest CT findings were the risk factors for lung involvement (OR=1.08, p<0.001 and OR=2.19, p=0.010, respectively). This study is valuable because increasing severity (≥5%) of lung involvement appears to be associated with high and persistent IgG antibody titers. In probable cases of COVID-19, even if the PCR test is negative, high IgG titers 6 months after discharge can predict the rate of lung parenchymal involvement.

Computed tomography findings of COVID-19 in pediatric patients

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the thorax Computed Tomography (CT) findings of pediatric patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and to discuss these findings in light of the results of adult patients from the literature. The CT scans of pediatric patients (1-18 years old) with a diagnosis of COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in our hospital between March 2020 and January 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The scans were interpreted regarding the distribution and localization features, and involvement patterns including ground-glass opacity, consolidation, halo/reversed halo sign, interlobular septal thickening, air bronchograms and bronchiectasis. The frequencies of these findings in pediatric cases in our study were recorded. A total of 95 patients with a mean age of 13±4.6 years were included in this study. Among them, 34 (36%) had lesions associated with COVID-19 on CT scans. Bilateral involvement was detected in 15 (44%) while unilateral in 19 (56%) patients. Eighteen (53%) patients had single lobe involvement. In 16 (47%) patients a solitary lesion was detected and in 18 (53%) multiple lesions were present. Ground-glass opacity appearance was observed in 28 (82%), consolidation in 9 (26%), and ground-glass opacity with consolidation in 8 (24%), halo sign in 9 (26%), reversed halo sign in 2 (6%), interlobular septal thickening (interstitial thickening) in 1 (3%) patients. As symptoms are relatively milder in children with COVID-19, CT findings are less extensive than in adults. It is essential to know the thorax CT findings that aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease.

Correlation of neuroimaging and thorax CT findings in patients with COVID-19: A large single-center experience

The aim of this current study was to describe the neuroimaging findings among patients with COVID-19 and to compare them with thorax CT imaging findings and clinicobiological profiles. Between the period March 11 and December 31, 2020, we evaluated brain computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images of patients with COVID-19. A total of 354 patients (mean age 65.2 ± 16.6, 52% female, 42% male) who had brain imaging were included in the study. Of this total sample, 218 had thorax CT scanning (65.5%). Neuroimaging and thorax CT findings, clinical course, neurologic findings, and laboratory data were evaluated. White matter lesions (WML) and thorax CT scans were scored. Participants were divided according to whether or not they had an infarction. The neuroimaging findings indicated infarcts, parenchymal hemorrhage, encephalitis, cortical signal abnormality, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), and cranial nerve involvement. WML significantly positively correlated with age (p < 0.01) but not with sex (p > 0.05). Thorax CT findings did not demonstrate significant correlations with infarcts, WML, or hemorrhages (p> 0.05). D-dimer and ferritin levels were significantly higher among patients with infarcts (p < 0.05). Immune-mediated prothrombic state and cytokine storm appear to be more responsible for etiopathogenesis than direct viral neurotropism. Neuroimaging and thorax CT findings were not correlated among patients with COVID-19 in our study. These results suggest that neurological manifestations may occur independently of pulmonary involvement and age.

Ozone Therapy for Remaining Symptoms after covid Infection in Male Patients

At the end of March, the total number of cases in China, where 3318 people died, is 81.589. The countries with the highest number of approved cases are America (244 thousand), Italy (115 thousand) and Spain (112 thousand), respectively. In Italy, where the largest number of people died, 13 915 people died15 According to the WHO statement on March 3, 2020, the global fatality rate is 3.4. Determination of seasonal respiratory virus or bacteriological factor in samples taken in the patient according to the possible case definition does not rule out the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Patients who received conventional covid treatment in 2021 were included in the study. As exclusion criteria, patients with favism disease and over 100 mg of salicylic acid treatment, and those with ozone and citrus-allergy were excluded from the study. After the informed consent form was signed by the patients, the dose of gamma was increased by 10 in weekly sessions, starting from 10 gamma. major autohomeopathy was applied. The ozone therapy dose was terminated at 40-45 gamma. Peripheral nodular ground glass densities were found in both lung parenchyma in the computed tomography findings of patients receiving Covid-19 treatment before ozone therapy. It was reported in accordance with high-grade thorax computed tomography findings in terms of coronavirus infection. While the patient's complaints decreased after the 3rd session of major autohomeopathy treatment, it was determined that the symptoms decreased a lot in the 5th session.

Ozone Therapy for Remaining Symptoms after covid Infection in Male Patients

At the end of March, the total number of cases in China, where 3318 people died, is 81.589. The countries with the highest number of approved cases are America (244 thousand), Italy (115 thousand) and Spain (112 thousand), respectively. In Italy, where the largest number of people died, 13 915 people died15 According to the WHO statement on March 3, 2020, the global fatality rate is 3.4. Determination of seasonal respiratory virus or bacteriological factor in samples taken in the patient according to the possible case definition does not rule out the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Patients who received conventional covid treatment in 2021 were included in the study. As exclusion criteria, patients with favism disease and over 100 mg of salicylic acid treatment, and those with ozone and citrus-allergy were excluded from the study. After the informed consent form was signed by the patients, the dose of gamma was increased by 10 in weekly sessions, starting from 10 gamma. major autohomeopathy was applied. The ozone therapy dose was terminated at 40-45 gamma. Peripheral nodular ground glass densities were found in both lung parenchyma in the computed tomography findings of patients receiving Covid-19 treatment before ozone therapy. It was reported in accordance with high-grade thorax computed tomography findings in terms of coronavirus infection. While the patient's complaints decreased after the 3rd session of major autohomeopathy treatment, it was determined that the symptoms decreased a lot in the 5th session.

The frequency of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome.

IntroductionThere is a lack of information about the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS). Using all-night polysomnography (PSG), this study aimed to investigate the frequency of OSA in pSS and the factors affecting the frequency of OSA in this condition. MethodsConsecutive patients with pSS who presented to the Collagen Tissue Diseases follow-up polyclinic of the Department of Chest Diseases between 1 April 2019 and 31 December, 2020, were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, chronic diseases, smoking history in pack-years, anthropometric data, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, pulmonary function test parameters, current thorax computed tomography findings, and PSG data were recorded. The control group was created by the retrospective screening of patients admitted to the sleep polyclinic and who underwent PSG but did not have pSS.ResultsOSA was detected in 37 (84%) of 44 patients with pSS who underwent PSG. Of 37 patients with OSA, 25 (68%) had moderate or severe OSA. Snoring and witnessed apneas, REM%, snoring index, and maximum apnea and maximum hypopnea duration were statistically significantly lower in the pSS group compared with the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.025, p = 0.001, p = 0.028, and p = 0.035, respectively).ConclusionThe frequency of OSA in patients with pSS was 84%, with a decrease in REM%. Although a correlation between symptoms suggesting OSA and the presence of radiological lung involvement, spirometry, and DLCO values with OSA could not be demonstrated, physicians are recommended to be attentive for the presence of OSA in all patients with pSS and to investigate OSA using PSG.

Comparison of rapid antibody test and thorax computed tomography results in patients who underwent RT-PCR with the pre-diagnosis of COVID-19.

IntroductionIn this study, it is planned to compare the real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test, which is the gold standard in the diagnosis of COVID‐19, with thorax computed tomography (CT) and rapid antibody test results.MethodsPatients who were admitted to the emergency service of İzmir Çiğli Training and Research Hospital between 01.04.2020 and 31.05.2020 and who were suspected of having COVID‐19 infection were included in the study. The medical records of the patients were retrospectively analysed through the hospital data processing database. Age, gender, hospitalisation, status of home quarantine, real‐time RT‐PCR, thorax CT and rapid antibody test results of the patients were examined. The relationship between RT‐PCR, thorax CT and rapid antibody test results was compared statistically.ResultsA total of 181 patients, 115 (63.5%) male and 66 (36.5%) female, with an average age of 56.4 ± 18.06 years were included in the study. The nasopharyngeal swab PCR result obtained at the first admission of the patients to the emergency department was positive in 71 (39.2%) patients. Rapid antibody tests performed at hospital admission were positive in 57 (31.5%) patients. Thorax CT was performed in 173 (95.6%) patients who applied to the emergency department, and 112 (64.7%) of them had findings that could be compatible with COVID‐19. According to the thorax CT findings in patients, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for detecting COVID‐19 infection were, respectively, 76.1%, 43.1%, 48.2% and 72.1% (ĸ: 0.176, P < .001). According to the rapid antibody test results, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for detecting COVID‐19 infection were 57.5%, 85.5%, 71.9% and 75.8%, respectively (ĸ: 0.448, P < .001). In our study, the mortality rate for COVID‐19 was found to be 2.8%.ConclusionRapid antibody test and thorax CT examinations were found to have low diagnostic value in patients who admitted to the emergency department of our hospital and whose first RT‐PCR SARS‐CoV‐2 test was positive. Studies involving larger patient groups are needed for their use alone in diagnosis and screening.

Differential diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia from acute heart failure in pandemic: Importance of radiological and laboratory findings.

COVID-19 pneumonia typically presents with high fever, cough, and shortness of breath and on thorax computed tomography (CT) peripheral ground glass opacities help the diagnosis. Although typical imaging findings for COVID-19 pneumonia are specified in thorax CT, these findings can be confused with other diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of radiological imaging and laboratory findings in the differential diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia and acute heart failure (AHF). In the present study, 74 patients who admitted to the emergency department with respiratory distress during the pandemic period and received a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia and AHF were included. Laboratory data and radiological findings of the patients, at the time of admission, were evaluated. On admission, there was no difference in age, gender between two groups. However, COVID-19 exposure history was found significantly higher in COVID-19 pneumonia patients group (p<0.001). Fever, cough, and fatigue were found significantly higher in the COVID-19 pneumonia patients group (p<0.001). There was difference of lesions distribution between the two groups, centrally distributed lesions were found significantly higher in acute heart failure patients (p<0.001). Pleural effusion and cardiomegaly were found significantly higher in AHF patients (p<0.001, p<0.001). Counts of the white blood cells and lymphocytes were found significantly lower in COVID-19 pneumonia patients (p= 0.003, p= 0.009). COVID-19 pneumonia patients had significantly higher levels of CRP, ferritin, LDH and CK compared with AHF patients (p<0.001, p<0.001, p= 0.002, p= 0.013). However the level of NT-proBNP was found significantly higher in the AHF patients group (p<0.001). We believe that laboratory data and thorax CT findings can provide beneficial clinical information in differentiating COVID-19 pneumonia from AHF during the pandemic.

Correlation between thorax computed tomography findings and clinical and laboratory data on patients with coronavirus disease 2019

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the correlation between computed tomography (CT) scores, laboratory findings, and clinical symptoms in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical, laboratory, and thorax CT findings on the admission of 121 patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively evaluated. CT scores based on lobe involvement and CT patterns (i.e., ground-glass abnormalities, consolidation, and crazy-paving patterns) were estimated, and the relationship between CT score and symptomatic (e.g. fever, cough) versus asymptomatic (e.g., inflammation, coagulation, liver and kidney function) clinical laboratory findings were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-eight of 121 patients (56%) were symptomatic; 53 (44%) were asymptomatic. The CT scores of symptomatic patients, especially those with coughing and dyspnea, were statistically higher (2 [0–9] vs. 0 [0–1]; P&lt; 0.001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, ferritin, D-dimer, fibrinogen, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, prothrombin time and alanine amino transferase values were correlated with CT scores (ρ = 0.638, P&lt; 0.001, ρ = 0.512, P&lt; 0.001; ρ = 0.325, P= 0.001; ρ = 0.452, P&lt; 0.001; ρ = 0.525, P&lt; 0.001; ρ = 0.379, P&lt; 0.001; ρ = 0.445, P&lt; 0.001; ρ = 0.332, P&lt; 0.001, ρ = 0.296, P= 0.003; ρ = 0.222, P= 0.015, respectively). Albumin values were negatively correlated with CT scores (ρ = −0.398, P&lt; 0.001). CONCLUSION: CT scores may help clinicians evaluate the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia and thus help in managing the disease.