Utility of High-resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) Scan of the Chest in Diagnosis of COVID-19 Patients Presenting With Non-pulmonary Manifestations

Study population This is a prospective multi-center study that included patients aged more than 21 years old with different clinical presentations other than pulmonary manifestation presenting to different healthcare facilities from June to December 2020. HRCT scan of the chest in order to detect COVID-19 patients was offered after signing an informed consent. Demographic data, clinical presentations, laboratory data, oxygen saturation, radiological findings in HRCT scan of the chest, severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results and the need for mechanical ventilation were reported. Effects of different baseline characteristics, findings in HRCT scan of the chest on patient outcomes were analyzed.

Data collection:

Clinical presentations including history of potential source of infection, contact with COVID-19 patients, clinical examination findings were registered. HRCT scan of the chest for all patients and scoring system for severity of lung affection was performed. Patients with positive HRCT chest findings were investigated with PCR result for COVID-19. Complete blood picture with differential and serum ferritin level levels were examined. Baseline oxygen saturation on room air (RA), follow up of oxygen status, need for oxygen, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), mechanical ventilation (MV) and need for ICU admission were reported.

Outcomes:

The primary outcome was intensive care unit admission, use of non-invasive ventilation or mechanical ventilation. The secondary outcome was mortality.