ABSTRACT
Background: The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia is unpredictable and patient-dependent. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical, radiological, and respiratory functional outcomes three months after the diagnosis of hypoxemic pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2. Method(s): Retrospective study conducted on the records of adult patients hospitalized in COVID-19 medical units in Mongi Slim La Marsa Hospital, for hypoxemic pneumonia due to SARS-Cov2 during the period from October 2020 to August 2021. Three months after le diagnosis of the pneumonia, all patients have had an appointment for examination, control thoracic CT scan and respiratory function assessment. Result(s): A total of 455 patients was hospitalized for hypoxemic pneumonia due to SARS-Cov2 during the period of study but only 57 (gender ratio M/F= 1,19 ;mean age= 62+/-10 years) had respiratory functional and radiological evaluation at three months. At least one symptom persisted in 58% of patients: dyspnoea (33%), asthenia (12%), dry cough (14%), and diffuse chest pain (9%). Chest CT showed persistent abnormalities in 3/4 of patients: ground-glass opacities (68%), consolidations (14%), pulmonary fibrosis (15%) and reticulations (10%). The mean value of the forced vital capacity (FVC) in percentage relative to predicted values was 81,5+/-15% and that of total lung capacity in percentage relative to predicted values was 87+/-19%. Persistent consolidation lesions were associated with lower FVC in percentage (p=0.009) and persistent dyspnea (p=0.013). Conclusion(s): Persistent thoracic CT scan abnormalities in post SARS-CoV-2 hypoxemic pneumonia are frequent with an impact on respiratory function.