Follow-up evaluation of pulmonary lesions in patients recovering from COVID-19 with improved pulmonary ultrasonography

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the value of improved pulmonary ultrasonography in the follow-up assessment of lung damage in patients who recovered from corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19). Methods: Twenty-two patients who were cured of COVID-19 in Quanzhou First Hospital from January to May 2020 were randomly selected and divided into 7 mild cases, 12 moderate cases and 3 severe cases according to the first high-resolution CT (HRCT) at admission. Six months after recovery, modified lung ultrasonography and HRCT were used prospectively to assess the lung damage and evaluate the correlation and consistency between the two techniques. Results: ①There were significant differences in lung damage between the mild group and the moderate group, severe group (all P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the moderate group and severe group (P>0.05). ②There was good consistency between the improved lung ultrasound examination and HRCT (Kappa=0.776, P<0.001). ③There was a positive correlation between the score of improved pulmonary ultrasound examination and HRCT Warrick score (r=0.755, P<0.001). Conclusions: Improved pulmonary ultrasonography can be used as a priority in the evaluation of pulmonary damage follow-up in patients with COVID-19 recovery, reducing the use of CT, and providing favorable evidence for further clinical management. © 2021 Chinese Medical Association