Chest CT findings in 1st peak of COVID-19 pandemic in a U.K. tertiary centre

Abstract

Chest CT findings in 1st peak of COVID-19 pandemic in a U.K. tertiary centre.

Objectives: To assess CT findings of confirmed SARSCoV and mortality during the 1st peak.

Methods: Data on patient demographics and mortality was collected for inpatients who had CT chest with suspected COVID-19 between mid-March to end of April in University hospitals of Leicester. COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed on positive SARSCoV RT-PCR test. CT severity score was based on British Society of Thoracic Imaging classification (% of lung involvement);1- Mild (<25%), 2-Mild-Moderate (25 to 50%) 3-Moderate-Severe (50% -75%), 4-Severe (>75%).

Findings: 326 chest CT scans were done during the 6-week period with suspected COVID-19 infection, out of which 116(35.6%) were confirmed of COVID-19 on RT-PCR, 35(30%) of these patients died. Findings are given in the table; 11(9%) had atypical CT findings for COVID-19.

Measurements and Main Results: COVID-19 positive patients with CT scans demonstrated increased mortality in elderly, non-white group and in those with severe CT scoring. Thromboembolic process has been considered as one of the pathophysiological process in COVID related mortality, however PE (Pulmonary embolism) on CT was not associated with mortality and presence of pleural effusion was associated with mortality and this needs further studies to explore.