ANALYSIS OF HRCT CHEST FINDINGS IN CASES WITH INFLUENZA LIKE ILLNESS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate and characterize lung abnormalities on serial thin-section computed tomographic (CT) scans in patients with inuenza like illness during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials And Methods: High resolution thin slice CT (using Siemens SOMATOM scope machine) study were performed in 100 patients with inuenza like illness and were assessed for lung abnormalities such as ground-glass opacities, consolidation, interlobular and intra lobular septal thickening , peribroncho vascular thickening etc. Each lobe of affected lung was assessed for CT severity score using lobar method. Summation of scores from all affected lobes were taken using lobar method of scoring* (maximal CT score, 25*). Depending on the score and RTPCR status for COVID-19 a relevant CORADS score was assigned. And reported accordingly. Since the cases has been increasing in the locality and district ,any CT case with clinical suspicion and if CT shows in.ammatory signs( previously described as atypical as for ex- ample lobar pneumonia) was considered and reported with suspicious as COVID-19 and later correlated with RT PCR laboratory investigations further it is proved to be as such. Results: HRCT chest of total 100 patients were studied. Out of which 88 patients had ground glass opacity type changes, 67 patients had consolidation type changes, 55 patients had pleural thickening, 8 patients had pleural effusion and 62 patients had bronchiectasis (cystic/ tractional bronchiectasis). Bilateral involvement were seen in 76 cases. Lower lobes affected in 81cases, middle lobes affected in 42 cases, upper lobe affected in 55 cases and peripheral areas affected in 91 cases. CT severity score and CORADS classication were all assessed . Sensitivity of the study is 82.6%, specicity is 77.4%, positive predictive value is 89% and negative predictive value is 66.8%