Computed Tomographic Features of Lung Parenchyma Over Time after Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE@#To identify the key CT features of lung parenchyma over time after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#In total, 72 patients underwent CT after CPR. Because the median time from return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) to CT was 1 h 3 min, we divided patients into two groups ≤ 1 h (group 1) and > 1 h (group 2), based on the ROSC to CT time. We analyzed and compared various lung parenchymal CT findings between groups.@*RESULTS@#Each group included 36 patients. Using statistical analysis, we identified seven statistically significant imaging features. Gradient (p = 0.010), lobular gradient (p = 0.017), diffuse pattern (p = 0.000), upper distribution (p = 0.032), and peripheral portion sparing (p = 0.000) were more common in group 1 than in group 2. Dependent density (p = 0.010) and lobular consolidation (p = 0.010) were more common in group 2 than in group 1.@*CONCLUSION@#The gradient and lobular gradient tended to disappear over time after ROSC. In terms of distribution, a diffuse pattern with upper predominance and peripheral portion sparing tended to disappear over time. However, the dependent density and lobular consolidation tended to increase over time in the lung parenchyma after CPR.