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Pattern of chest computerized tomography scan findings in symptomatic RT-PCR positive Covid-19 patients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana


Klenam Dzefi-Tettey
Emmanuel Kobina Mesi Edzie
Philip Narteh Gorleku
Edmund Kwakye Brakohiapa
Franklin Acheampong
Abdul Raman Asemah
Henry Kusodzi
Patience Sumbawiera Saaka
Ewurama Andam Idun
Adu Tutu Amankwa

Abstract

Background: Chest Computerized Tomography (CT) features of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia are nonspecific, variable and sensitive in detecting early lung disease. Hence its usefulness in triaging in resource-limited regions.


Objectives: To assess the pattern of chest CT scan findings of symptomatic COVID-19 patients confirmed by a positive RTPCR in Ghana.


Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed chest CT images of 145 symptomatic RT-PCR positive COVID-19 patients examined at the Radiology Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) from 8th April to 30th November 2020. Chi-Squared test was used to determine associations among variables. Statistical significance was specified at p≤0.05.


Results: Males represent 73(50.3%). The mean age was 54.15±18.09 years. The age range was 5 months-90 years. Consolidation 88(60.7%), ground glass opacities (GGO) 78(53.8%) and crazy paving 43(29.7%) were the most predominant features. These features were most frequent in the elderly (≥65years). Posterobasal, peripheral and multilobe disease were found bilaterally. The most common comorbidities were hypertension 72(49.7%) and diabetes mellitus 42(29.2%) which had significant association with lobar involvement above 50%.


Conclusion: The most predominant Chest CT scan features of COVID-19 pneumonia were GGO, consolidation with air bronchograms, crazy paving, and bilateral multilobe lung disease in peripheral and posterior basal distribution.


Keywords: Computerized Tomography Scan; COVID-19 Pneumonia; Ghana.


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eISSN: 1729-0503
print ISSN: 1680-6905