Comparison of chest computed tomography findings of RT-PCR negative and RT-PCR positive cases in COVID-19 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to compare the results of the RT-PCR test, with the findings of Chest CT and to determine the features of CT for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and how to approach RT-PCR negative patients. MATERIAL METHOD: Chest CT findings of 569 COVID-19 diagnosed patients, followed up at the pandemic wards between March and June 2020 were retrospectively examined. Patients were grouped according to RT-PCR results, gender, and age. RESULTS: 284 (49%) were RT-PCR(+), 285 (50.8%) were RT-PCR(-) of total 569 patients. 11 (1.9%) of RT-PCR(+) had no involvement in Chest CT while all the RT-PCR(-) patients were CT(+). The distribution of lesions in CT were; 544 (95.6%) bilateral, 553 (97.2%) multilobar, 557(98%) peripherally 151 (26.5%) posteriorly localized. The most common findings were; 539 (94.7%) ground-glass opacity (GGO), 365 (64.1%) consolidation, 160 (28.1%) crazy paving interlobular septal thickening. CO-RADS mean value was 5.4 ± 0.7. GGO and reticulation in RT-PCR(-) patients were 280 (98.2%) and 24 (8.4%); while they were 259 (91.2%) and 12 (4.2%) in RT-PCR(+) patients, were significantly higher (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed, in CT findings for gender. Only the findings of crazy paving interlobular septal thickening and reticulation in 18-64 age group were significantly higher than that in 65-94 age group, 105 (24.8%)-55 (37.9%), 19 (4.5%)-17 (11.7%) respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The typical findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in Chest CT are: GGO, consolidation and crazy paving in bilateral, peripheral, posterior localization. CT plays an essential role for diagnosis, isolation and treatment in cases of COVID-19 and RT-PCR negative test should be verified by CT.

Evaluation of long-term radiological findings, pulmonary functions, and health-related quality of life in survivors of severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: It was aimed to evaluate long-term radiological changes in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, to investigate pulmonary function, exercise capacities, and health-related quality of life results. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated in the sixth month after discharge from the hospital. Spirometry, 6 min walking test (6MWT), and short form of health-related quality of life scale (SF-36) were applied in the sixth month. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed and the findings were grouped according to lung involvement. RESULTS: Forty-nine male and 16 female patients were included in the study. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% values of 18 patients (30.5%), forced vital capacity (FVC)% values of 27 patients (45.8%), and 6MWT of 13 patients (23.2%) were found lower than expected in the sixth month. On the SF-36 scale, physical function, energy-vitality, social functionality, pain, and general health parameters were found lower than normal. Minimal interstitial changes in chest CT were seen in 26 patients. Nine patients had lung area involvement between 10% and 50% of the surface, there was a correlation between FEV1% and FVC% values in this group. There was severe pulmonary fibrosis in four patients. There was a correlation between pulmonary function and physical function and general perception of health from SF-36 scale subparameters. CONCLUSION: Functional and radiological abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients in the sixth month after severe COVID-19 pneumonia. A systematic monitoring plan must be established to assess and properly manage the long-term problems that may arise.