Evaluation of COVID-19 Findings on Thoracic CT: Is There any Correlation with Age and Comorbidity?

Authors : Nevin Köremezli Keskin, Merve Başdemirci, Onur Başdemirci, Aziz Ahmad Hamidi

Pages : 251-257

Doi:10.37990/medr.1554665

View : 27 | Download : 33

Publication Date : 2025-01-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: To share insights gained from low-dose thoracic computed tomography (CT) findings of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between the observed CT findings, CT severity index, patient age, and the presence of comorbid conditions. Material and Method: One hundred patients having a COVID-19 diagnosis were included in the study\\\'s sample. We meticulously reviewed the thoracic CT image characteristics, the lung severity index, and various clinical data related to the patients. The relationships between these factors were then analyzed to draw meaningful conclusions. Results: The study included 100 patients, consisting of 67 men and 33 women. Among these patients, 30 had at least one underlying comorbid condition, with hypertension being the most prevalent. CT scans were positive in 65 patients. Within this group, 60 patients (93.3%) exhibited ground-glass opacities (GGO), 27 patients (41.5%) showed signs of consolidation, 22 patients (33.8%) had both GGO and consolidation, and 8 patients (12.3%) displayed the crazy paving pattern. The total lung severity score (TLSS) ranged from 0 to 19, with mean score of 3.11±3.71. Each lung lobe was systematically evaluated for the extent of involvement. We found a statistically significant relationship indicating that increasing age correlated with higher grades of lung involvement. Furthermore, significant association was noted between presence of comorbidities and the lung involvement grades. Our analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between CT lung involvement grade and patient age, alongside a weaker positive correlation between the lung involvement grade and comorbid conditions. Conclusion: CT imaging has proven to be important tool in managing patients suspected of or confirmed to have COVID-19. Notably, the CT lung severity grade was significantly elevated in patients over 65 years and those with comorbidities. These findings underscore the critical role that CT plays in evaluating and managing the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Keywords : COVID-19, comorbidity, computed tomography, computed tomography lung severity grade