Evaluation of Computed Tomography and PCR Results of Patients Admitted to Pandemic Hospital in Terms of COVID-19

Aim: COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily affects the respiratory system and spreads rapidly. Diagnostic methods as computed Tomography (CT) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) have gained importance in the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to evaluate the appearance and distribution of abnormal parenchymal findings with Thorax CT in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 by RT-PCR method. And to evaluate the relationship between the severity of lung infection and the clinical course of the disease in these patients. Materials and Methods: Patients (n:613) with a preliminary diagnosis of COVID-19 who applied to Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital were evaluated retrospectively between December 2020 and February 2021. Nasopharyngeal samples were studied for COVID-19 with RT-PCR by Selcuk University Medical Faculty Microbiology Laboratory. Thoracic CT images of 361 patients with positive COVID-19 PCR tests were examined for the presence of COVID-19 pneumonia. The clinical course of patients with Covid-19 pneumonia was evaluated. Results: RT-PCR results was positive in 361 (58%) of 613 patients. While 243 (64.8%) of the PCR positive patients had signs of pneumonia, 118 of them had normal lung parenchyma (GGO). There was consolidation in 22% of the patients, and ground glass with consolidation in 20%. 34 patients (13.9%) had crazy-paving pattern and 19 (7.8%) patients had reverse halo appearance. A significant relationship was found between the severity of lung infection involvement and the clinical course of the disease. Conclusion: A comprehensive understanding of diagnostic imaging features is essential for effective patient management and treatment.