Do persistent chest radiograph changes Correlate with ongoing respiratory symptoms in patients recovering from covid-19 Pneumonia?

ABSTRACT

Introduction and Objectives In May 2020, BTS published guidelines on radiological follow-up for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, advising an initial repeat chest radiograph at 12 weeks to assess resolution.1 It is unclear whether persistent chest radiograph changes are clinically significant. Our aim was to assess whether there is a correlation between post-COVID chest radiograph appearances and ongoing respiratory symptoms. Methods Inpatients at two trust hospital sites diagnosed with COVID-19, either clinically or from a positive nasopharyngeal swab, were followed-up via telephone approximately 6-8 weeks post-discharge. Patients were offered a chest radiograph and blood tests if abnormal and a symptomatic assessment via a proforma. Patients subjectively rated their degree of breathlessness, cough and fatigue using a numerical rating scale. Chest radiograph reports were coded by consultant radiologists as per BSTI guidelines2 and grouped into 'improvers' (PCVCX0/1) and 'non-improvers' (PCVCX2/3 i.e. static or worsening appearances). Patients who had both an initial and follow-up chest radiograph, and who completed a proforma were included for retrospective analysis Introduction and Objectives In May 2020, BTS published guidelines on radiological follow-up for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, advising an initial repeat chest radiograph at 12 weeks to assess resolution.1 It is unclear whether persistent chest radiograph changes are clinically significant. Our aim was to assess whether there is a correlation between post-COVID chest radiograph appearances and ongoing respiratory symptoms. Methods Inpatients at two trust hospital sites diagnosed with COVID-19, either clinically or from a positive nasopharyngeal swab, were followed-up via telephone approximately 6-8 weeks post-discharge. Patients were offered a chest radiograph and blood tests if abnormal and a symptomatic assessment via a proforma. Patients subjectively rated their degree of breathlessness, cough and fatigue using a numerical rating scale. Chest radiograph reports were coded by consultant radiologists as per BSTI guidelines2 and grouped into 'improvers' (PCVCX0/1) and 'non-improvers' (PCVCX2/3 i.e. static or worsening appearances). Patients who had both an initial and follow-up chest radiograph, and who completed a proforma were included for retrospective analysis.