CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE SPECTRUM OF CHEST CT FINDINGS IN POST-COVID-19 PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN UTTARAKHAND AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH CLINICAL SEVERITY
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Keywords
COVID-19, chest CT, post-COVID syndrome, pulmonary sequelae, India
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant pulmonary sequelae among survivors, with chest computed tomography (CT) serving as a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing post-infectious changes. Limited data exists on the spectrum of chest CT findings in post-COVID-19 patients in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand.
Objectives: To evaluate the spectrum of chest CT findings in post-COVID-19 patients and correlate these findings with clinical severity scores in a tertiary care setting in Uttarakhand.
Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical & Health Sciences, Dehradun, from August 2021 to July 2022. Post-COVID-19 patients presenting with persistent respiratory symptoms underwent chest CT examination. Clinical severity was assessed using standardized scoring systems, and radiological findings were systematically analyzed.
Results: Among 284 patients studied, ground-glass opacities were observed in 78.2% of cases, followed by consolidation in 45.1% and fibrotic changes in 32.7%. Significant correlation was found between CT severity scores and clinical symptom persistence (p<0.001). Patients with severe initial COVID-19 infection demonstrated more extensive residual CT abnormalities.
Conclusion: Chest CT findings in post-COVID-19 patients show a diverse spectrum of abnormalities that correlate significantly with clinical severity, emphasizing the need for systematic follow-up protocols in tertiary care centers.
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Dr. Patel Rait Pankajkumar
Assistant Professor, Department of Radio-Diagnosis, SGRRIM&HS, Dehradun, India
Dr. Arunkumar Rameshwarprasad Varun
Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Saraswathi Institute of Medical College Sciences, Anwarpur, Pilkhuwa (U.P.), India
Mr. Alok Pritam
Statistician Cum Tutor, Department of Community Medicine, LBKMCH, Saharsa, Bihar, India