Chest Computed Tomography Scoring in Patients With Novel Coronavirus-infected Pneumonia: Correlation With Clinical and Laboratory Features and Disease Outcome

Abstract

Background/aim: This study investigated the correlation of chest computed tomography (CT), findings, graded using two different scoring methods, with clinical and laboratory features and disease outcome, including a novel clinical predictive score, in patients with novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP).

Patients and methods: In this retrospective, observational study, CT scan of 92 NCIP patients admitted to Policlinico Tor Vergata, were analyzed using a quantitative, computed-based and a semiquantitative, radiologist-assessed scoring system. Correlations of the two radiological scores with clinical and laboratory features, the CALL score, and their association with a composite adverse outcome were assessed.

Results: The two scores correlated significantly with each other (ρ=0.637, p<0.0001) and were independently associated with age, LDH, estimated glomerular filtration rate, diabetes, and with the composite outcome, which occurred in 24 patients.

Conclusion: In NCIP patients, two different radiological scores correlated with each other and with several clinical, laboratory features, and the CALL score. The quantitative score was a better independent predictor of the composite adverse outcome than the semiquantitative score.

Keywords: Novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia; computer tomography; death; intensive care unit; radiological scores.