Multidetector CT in Evaluation of Post COVID-19 Pulmonary Complications with 3D CT Volumetric Assessment of Post COVID-19 Fibrosis

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease is not just an acute infection but is a complex entity with post-infection complications and long effects especially involving the pulmonary system. The aim of this study was to assess post COVID-19 pulmonary complications using multidetector computed tomography after resolution of the acute infection and to correlate the findings with clinical manifestations.

Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 30 patients with pulmonary manifestations after more than 3 months of previously diagnosed initial COVID-19 infection, based on clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. All patients were scanned using different multidetector Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, automated and semi-automated volumetric measurements empowered by artificial intelligence (AI) techniques were used.

Results: There was significant relation between the adequate breath holding and the use of automated technique, between the percentage of lung volume loss and the need for oxygen support, and between the percentage of volume loss of lung by fibrosis and the degree of previous COVID -19 infection.

Conclusions: Multi-slice CT is a very useful diagnostic tool to be used in patients presented with suspected post COVID -19 pulmonary complications. 3D CT volumetry could easily detect diseases that cause volume loss, including pulmonary fibrosis, which may develop in the follow-up of COVID-19. Quantitative CT (QCT) is an ideal tool for classifying post COVID-19 fibrosis.