Radiological Evaluation of Imaging of CT-Thorax Among Comorbid And Vaccinated Covid Positive Patients

Abstract

Introduction: The current pandemic of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the new virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), started in Wuhan, China and spread rampantly throughout the globe, causing serious health threats to humans. Second wave in India was seen peaking in early month of May 2021. CT Thorax is extensively used by doctors in COVID-positive patients. The objective of the present study is to compare the pattern and severity of lung involvement in COVID-positive patients based on comorbidities and vaccination status. Methodology: Present study is a cross-sectional study of 805 COVID-positive patients who were referred to Dept of Radiodiagnosis, Basaweshwara Hospital attached to MRMC, Gulbarga, for CT thorax to look for lung involvement of COVID, for period of two months from March to April 2021. Imaging findings and data collected were spread on excel sheet and analysed, and results were represented in tables, graphs and charts. Results: Among 805 patients, 37.80% of patients belonged to 41-59 years age group, with male to female ratio of 1.7:1. Of the total, 23.70% were comorbid patients, among which 52.80% patients were above 60 years age group. HTN was the predominant comorbidity seen in 17.30% cases, followed by DM in 11.80%. Comorbid patients were prone to have a severe lung involvement and higher CT Severity Score. Among 805 patients, 13.40% were vaccinated, and patients with complete vaccination had a tendency of milder lung involvement and lesser CT Severity Score. Conclusion: CT Thorax is an important investigation to look for the severity of lung involvement. COVID-positive patients with comorbidities have a higher lung involvement as assessed by CT severity score as compared to that of non comorbid patients. COVID positive patients with complete vaccination have a reduced lung involvement as compared to non-vaccinated and patients vaccinated with a single dose of vaccine.