CHEST COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN FINDINGS OF LUNG AND HEART SIZE AFTER COVID-19 PNEUMONIA

Abstract

Over the past 2 years it has been known that coronaviruses cause respiratory illness in humans and also organ failure depending on what stage the illness is and if the patient is suffering from co-morbid diseases. The family of coronaviruses includes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and the common cold. The new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19 which is highly contagious was first reported in 42 patients who were working in a sea food market in Wuhan, a city of China in December 2019. Since the 1stcase report of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China December 2019, infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have spread promptly, causing a pandemic that has resulted in deaths of millions of people all over the world. Long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection have become increasingly recognized on chest CT scan. Lung radiographic and CT scan changes are seen in convalescent COVID 19 patients which include permanent fibrotic like changes and they experience dry cough and fatigue even after 3 month of recovery. Objectives were to assess pulmonary sequel and the risk factors for lung fibrosis on chest CT of survivors of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. To assess the difference in lung sizes of COVID-19 survivor and normal individual on CT scan of chest. To assess the difference in heart size of COVID 19 survivor and normal individual on CT scan of chest.To assess the displacement of hilum of lung due to fibrosis on chest CT scan. To assess pulmonary function test of COVID 19 survivors on Spirometery. Eighty four subjects enrolled in the study; 42 (cases) survivors of COVID 19 and 42 (controls) without COVID 19. Research was carried out in PNS Shifa hospital radiology department. Eighty four cases and controls underwent chest CT scan. Demographic details were taken and lungs and heart sizes measured using ruler in millimeters. All the data entered on a predefined proforma. Result showed the significant decrease in diameters of the lungs of survivors of COVID-19 pneumonia as compared to the controls with significant p-value. The diameters of heart were increased on chest CT scan in COVID 19 survivors then the xiii healthy individuals and significant results found. COVID 19 patients with hypertension or smoking habits require more ICU admission and oxygen support. In conclusion COVID 19 disease causes injury to lungs and heart and fibrosis may persist for longer duration. Follow up of such patients are necessary at 3, 6 and 12 months and other parameter should be investigated like lung function test, cardiac enzymes and echocardiography