European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Novel Corona Virus disease, or popularly known as COVID-2019, is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). HRCT plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
Aims- The main objective of this study was to determine the computed tomography findings in the covid survivors at 6 months after being discharged and to study the potential acute and chronic post Covid chest complications like lung fibrosis
Material and Methods- 100 Cases who were referred for follow up of CT scan after COVID -2019 positive report on RT-PCR test 6 months back in a tertiary care centre were included in this study.
Results- Patients older than 50 years, who were hospitalized, patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and other co- morbidities, who were on mechanical ventilation, and a total chest CT score of 18 or greater on initial CT scans were more prone to fibrotic-like changes in the lung after 6-month follow-up.
Conclusion- Follow-up CT scans obtained within 6 months of disease onset showed fibrotic-like changes in the lung in one-third of patients who survived severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia. These patients were older and had more severe disease during the acute phase. The younger patients showed normal follow up scans or only ground glass opacities