STUDY OF POST COVID 19 PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS ON CT: A FOLLOW UP STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus with a high pathogenicity to humans. In order to properly diagnose and monitor individuals who have COVID-19 pneumonia, a chest CT scan is essential. In numerous researches, radiographic alterations in the acute course of COVID-19 have been observed. These changes range from mild to severe cases. According to recent studies, 94% of hospitalized patients' discharge CT scans show persisting lung parenchymal abnormalities. With this perspective present study is conducted to evaluate follow up CTndings in Post COVID 19 infection. Aim & Objectives: Aim:To evaluate follow up CTndings in Post COVID 19 infection Objective: 1. To assess clinical prole and CTndings in Post COVID 19 infection patients with brotic changes found on CT 2. To assess clinical prole and CTndings in Post COVID 19 infection patients with no brotic changes 3. To correlate clinical prole and CTndings amongst two groups 4. To assess & correlate CTndings amongst timely performed CTscan at 3 and 6 months after discharge Materials and Methods: 100 COVID-19 patients who had been discharged from the hospital after treatment for COVID-19 were prospectively enrolled at follow up visit. Discharge chest CTscan were reviewed. All 100 patients advised follow-up CTscan of thorax at 3 and 6 months from the Time of discharge. All CT reports were evaluated and patients were categorized into two groups based on presence or absence of traction bronchiectasis, parenchymal bands and/or honeycombing as Group A(Cases with brotic changes) and Group B (Cases without brotic changes). Data are expressed as frequency N (%) or mean ± SD. χ2-test was used to study correlation between variables Observations and Results: Majority had bilateral lung involvement in both groups. Ground glass opacity dominated in CTpattern. Other CTndings were less in proportion in group B (35/71) compared to group A (27/29). Statistically signicant difference found for CT score amongst two groups (P< 0.00001). About 29 (29 %) cases out of total 100 (100 %) showed brotic changes. 22 (22 %) showed Residual GGO/interstitial thickening. 49 (49 %) got complete radiological resolution at the end of 6 months Conclusion: All patients with dyspnoea after SARS-CoV-2 infection should undergo a thorough thin-section CT. Depending on the degree of initial lung involvement and the length of time since infection, certain CT abnormalities are more or less common. According to longitudinal investigations, GGO can be replaced by abnormalities that resemble brosis, and abnormalities may linger in patients who have recognised risk factors.