Comparison of computed tomography (CT) findings with RT-PCR in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in children

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to compare chest computed tomography (CT) findings with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results in children with probable or definitive diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: In this retrospective archive study, pediatric patients who were followed up in the hospital with a possible or definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 and who had chest CT at presentation were included. CT scan images of the patients were reinterpreted by a pediatric radiologist and compared with their RT-PCR test results. Results: Of the total of 89 patients, 33 had negative and 56 had positive RT-PCR tests. The presence of pulmonary lesions and consolidation was statistically significantly higher in the RT-PCR negative group than in the RT-PCR positive group (p = 0.037 and 0.001, respectively). Lobe involvement of 0%–25% was higher in the RT-PCR positive group (p = 0.001), and lobe involvements of 25%–50% and 50%–75% were significantly higher in the RT-PCR negative group (p = 0.001 and 0.005, respectively). Central and perihilar involvement was found to be statistically significant in the RT-PCR negative group (p = 0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Conclusion: Chest CT findings may provide some clues in predicting RT-PCR positivity in children with a probable diagnosis of COVID-19. Lobe involvement percentage of up to 25% is a finding in favor of patients with positive RT-PCR test, whereas 25%–75% lobe involvement, central and perihilar involvement, and consolidation can be interpreted in favor of patients with negative RT-PCR test.