CT patterns among Covid-19 patients during the second wave: A single institute study

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a worldwide dramatic loss of human life. The second wave of coronavirus showed a very rapid spread. Objective: This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the laboratory findings and chest computed tomography (CT) features in patients with suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia during the second wave. Patients and methods: From November 2020 to February 2021, a total of 295 patients were admitted to our hospital with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia. They underwent multiple laboratory tests including (s. ferritin, CBC) as well as non–contrast CT. Only 144 patients had PCR results available. The CT findings were reported as regards the presence of ground glassing, consolidation and pleural effusion. Results: 198 (67.1%) showed ground glassing and 36.9% (109 cases) had consolidation in their CT. These lesions were bilateral in 181 cases about 63.3% being single in in 71 cases (25.3 %). Pleural effusion was found in 202 cases (68.7%). Significant correlation was found between CRP, s. ferritin and d-dimer with presence of consolidation. Significant decreased neutrophil count and decreased DD among positive in comparison with negative ground glassing. PCR results were available in only 144 out of 295 patients (48.8%). It was positive in 100 out of 144 patients (69.4%) and negative in 44 patients (30.6%). Highly significant relation between COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) categories & PCR among all studied cases. Conclusion: During the second wave, the CT findings were similar to wave one with PCR proved COVID-19 cases more frequent with higher CO-RADS and RSNA categories.