Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest in detection of covid-19 infection taking PCR as gold standard.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Setting: Radiology department of Tabba Hospital, Karachi.

Duration: From March 2019 to September 2020

Material and Methods: All the clinically suspected patients of covid-19, of any age, both genders and those referred to radiology for High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest to detect the covid-19 infection were included. After two days, patients’ PCR reports were collected from the ward, after taking informed consent and permission from head of department. The diagnostic accuracy of HRCT was established with respect to sensitivity, PPV, NPV, and specificity by taking PCR as gold standard. All the information was collected via study proforma.

Results: Total 70 patients suspected for COVID-19 were studied, and the patients’ mean age was 58.23±9.52 years. Males were in majority 54(77.1%). As per HRCT findings, COVID-19 infection was positive in 46 patients, however, 48 patients were detected positive for COVID-19 infection as per PCR findings. In the detection of COVID-19 infection, HRCT chest showed sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 90%, PPV of 83%, NPV of 84% and diagnostic accuracy of 94%; by taking PCR as gold standard.

Conclusion: High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is a reliable diagnostic approach in promptly detecting the COVID-19; with 91% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 83% positive predictive value, 84% negative predictive value and 94% diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords: Accuracy, HRCT, COVID-19