Spectrum of Ground Glass Opacities in Chest CT of COVID-19 Patients in Karbala, Iraq

Abstract

Objective: To describe the ground-glass opacities (GGO) seen in chest CT scans of COVID-19 patients and to estimate the association between these opacities and the time of clinical presentation. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study involving 81 COVID-19 confirmed patients in Imam Al-Hussein Medical city in Karbala-Iraq during the period from March 1st to April 20, 2020. Chest CT scan findings were evaluated by 2 radiologists and categorized accordingly. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age ± standard deviation of patients was 53.5 ± 17.1 years, with male predominance as 63 (77.8%) of cases were males. Nearly half of the patients were presented within the second week of starting the sign and symptoms. GGO was present in 79 scans (97.5%), followed by consolidation opacity in 29 patients (35.8%). Four types of GGO were described. Bilateral multiple subpleural GGO was the most prevalent type. There was a significant association between late time of patient presentation and more extensive GGO type. Conclusion: Chest CT scan is valuable in the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 cases. The presence of GGO in CT scan of a patient that previously had no chest illness is highly suggestive of COVID-19 disease, different types of GGO were seen. Bilateral confluent type of GGO is associated with more serious and delayed status and warns the need for intensive care unit admission.