Results
Among the 109 RT-PCR positive patients, there were higher rates of
bronchial distortion and total volume lung involvement ≥ 50% in the
dead, IEV and ICUH groups (p < 10-3).
Vascular dilatation and a number of involved lobes ≥ 4 were associated
with IEV and ICUH (p < 10-3).
Among the 349 patients, sensitivity, specificity, positive and
negative predictive values of chest CT versus RT-PCR were respectively
93,6 % [95% CI 89-98,2], 85,8 % [81,4-90,2], 75 %
[67,7-82,3], and 96,7 % [94,3-99,1].
Unlike previous studies, we found different kinds of CT signs
patterns, rather than a stereotyped COVID-19 pneumonia pattern. Maximal
lesion expansion was observed during the second week after the first
symptoms.
ConclusionBronchial distorsion and lesion expansion seem to be correlated with
death in COVID-19 patients. This study confirms chest CT major
diagnostic value.
Keywords : COVID-19, chest CT, invasive endotracheal
ventilation, bronchial distortion, critical care.