Evaluation of computed tomography, clinical and laboratory findings of COVID-19 in cancer patients

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the computed tomography (CT), clinical and laboratory findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in cancer patients and to compare the findings between polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive and negative patients. Material and Methods: Twenty-three cancer patients with positive PCR tests and 22 diagnosed as COVID-19 with clinical and radiological findings were included in the study. CT images of the patients were evaluated simultaneously by two radiologists. Presence of comorbid diseases, symptoms and laboratory values were evaluated. Results: The most common CT involvement pattern was peripheral with 88.9% (n=40). Bilateral lung involvement rate was 57.8% (n=26). The most common finding was ground glass opacities (n=38, 84.5%). 35.6% (n=16) of these were accompanied by consolidation. Multifocal involvement was present in 62.2% (n=28) of the cases. The most frequently involved lobes were lower lobes. Other relatively common findings were septal thickening, subpleural streaking, and air bronchogram. The median neutrophil, lymphocyte, D-dimer, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase values of the patients were 2000 mm3, 1200 mm3, 1990 ng/mL, 30.7 mcg/L 15.8 mg/dl, 161 IU/L, respectively. Conclusion: Multifocal and bilateral involvement, and ground glass opacities were the most common findings. However, higher rates of septal thickening, which is generally less common, suggest that the findings may be more severe in cancer patients. Most of the inflammatory markers were higher in PCR negative cases. Studies with more patients in multiple centers will provide better comparison of the findings in cancer patients with the general population.