Role of Computed Tomography in detecting lung changes in post-COVID-19 patients

Background: Consolidation, ground glass opacities (GGO), and thickening of interlobular septum with peripheral dispersion are common findings of COVID-19 chest CT scans, aimed to outline lasting impacts of COVID-19 in cases following their release from hospital and to pinpoint possible risk factors, such as severity of disease that may be correlated with these effects. Methods: This prospective Cohort study include 120 cases with moderate to severe COVID-19 who have been released from hospital following COVID-19 treatment. RT-PCR was performed to establish presence of SARS-CoV-2 using throat swab samples. All cases were subjected to complete history taking, clinical and laboratory examination, and imaging, including non-contrast CT chest at 0 and 6 months. Results: There was a remarkable variation between opacity score groups concerning investigations at discharge (P<0.05). Based on non-contrast CT chest results at admission, and 6 months post-discharge, the rate of GGO, consolidation, pleural effusion, reticular pattern, nodules or masses, and traction bronchiectasis findings was substantially different between the two scans (P<0.05), with reticular pattern and traction bronchiectasis being significantly higher at 6 months post discharge. Regarding outcome more patients in group 2 with Score ≥ 18 needs more days at hospital as well as invasive and non-invasive MV with significant difference. Conclusion: Six-month follow-up CT showed lung fibrotic-like changes in more than one third of patients who survived moderate and severe COVID-19 pneumonia. These changes were associated with older age, and higher initial chest CT score. Keywords: Computed Tomography, lung changes, post-COVID-19.