Correlation of CT Severity Index with Clinical Severity of COVID-19 Pneumonia and it’s Relation to Disease Outcome

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Since the first case of Covid – 19 infection in Kerala, it has spread rapidly throughout the country. The COVID-19 infection is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Fever, cough and breathlessness are the most common symptoms of infected individuals. An in-depth understanding of the modes of spread, clinical features, triage of infected patients at presentation, immediate appropriate treatment and containment measures to minimize transmission of infection are cornerstones of pandemic control. The present study attempts to correlate chest CT Severity Index with clinical severity of Covid-19 infection and its outcome in infected individuals.  Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, cross – sectional, descriptive study. Study group consisted of 97 adults who tested Covid positive with RT-PCR and had positive findings on chest CT scan at our Hospital. Results: There was a statistically significant association between CT Severity Index and clinical severity of Covid – 19 Pneumonia in the study patients; as well as between CTSI and outcome of Covid – 19 Pneumonia in terms of favourable and adverse outcomes. Interpretation and Conclusion: Since the CTSI correlates significantly with clinical severity of Covid - 19 infection and it’s outcome, its inclusion in the CT report is invaluable in rapidly triaging the patient, initiating early appropriate treatment and providing a reasonably accurate prediction of future course and outcome of the infection. By significantly cutting down time spent in triaging a patient in the ER, it saves time and minimizes need for large skilled workforce of medical personnel in limited resource settings.