Abstract

Aim: Role of CT scan Chest as a diagnostic tool for Covid 19 infection

Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted in Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar from April 2020 to July 2020 after taking Ethical approval. Covid positive patients who underwent RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swab and HRCT were included in study during 3 months. Informed written consent was taken. Patient’s demographics, duration of illness, PCR results, HRCT findings were noted in pre designed proforma.

Results: 136 patients were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 54.6±14.01. Males were predominant i.e. 107(78.7%). RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal sample was positive in 69(50.7%) cases. HRCT chest described the typical findings of Covid 19 infection in 112(82.4%) cases. Most commonly was GGO that accounted for 120(88.9%). The findings were mostly in basal and peripheral lung fields and affected bilaterally in all cases. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of HRCT were 94.2%, 29.9% and 62.5% respectively.

Conclusion: HRCT chest has higher sensitivity; but specificity is low. HRCT chest is the useful diagnostic tool as a fast, convenient and reliable mode for rapid diagnosis and management.

Keywords: Sensitivity, Accuracy, Pandemic