Temporal Evolution of CT Findings in COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study

Temporal Evolution of CT Findings in COVID-19 Patients: An Observational Study

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Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), presents a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic cases to severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).Chest computed tomography (CT) has become a critical diagnostic tool, especially in regions with high disease prevalence.This study aims to assess the common CT findings, patterns of lung involvement, and severity of disease in RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients to better understand and manage this pervasive disease.Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr.

Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai, from 2020 to 2021.The study included RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients aged 18 to 95 years who presented to the fever clinic or COVID casualty and were referred to the radiology department for chest CT evaluation.Exclusion Air Freshener Disp/Refills criteria included pregnancy, age under 18 years, and refusal to consent.Non-contrast chest CT scans were performed using a TOSHIBA Aquilion Lightening 16-slice CT machine.

Scans were acquired in a single inspiratory breath-hold from the lung apex to the costophrenic angle.CT findings were analyzed and reported by two experienced radiologists, with discrepancies resolved through consensus.Results: Out of 349 patients, 213 (61%) were male and 136 (39%) were female, with a mean age of 47.7 years.

The distribution of CT findings showed significant variability among the four groups.Group A had the highest percentage of normal CT scans (22%) and ground-glass opacities (52%).Group B exhibited a reduction in normal CT scans (9%) and an increase in ground-glass Cardio-Pulmonary Monitors - ECG Mounts opacities (57%).Group C showed further decrease in normal CT scans (10.

6%) with increased crazy paving (17.3%) and reticulation (14.6%).Group D had similar normal CT scans (10.

8%) but significantly higher incidences of reticulation (24.3%) and ground-glass opacities (64%).Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of chest CT in monitoring the progression of COVID-19 pneumonia.The findings demonstrate a clear temporal evolution of lung involvement, from ground-glass opacities in the early stages to more complex patterns such as crazy paving and reticulation in later stages.