Visual Classification of Three Computed Tomography Lung Patterns to Predict Prognosis of COVID-19: A Retrospective Study
Abstract Background: Quantitative evaluation of radiographic images has been developed and suggested for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are limited opportunities to use these image-based diagnostic indices in clinical practice. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the utility of a visually-based classification of pulmonary findingsfrom computed tomography (CT) images among COVID-19 patients that we developed, with the following three patterns defined: peripheral, multifocal, and diffuse findings of pneumonia. We also evaluated the prognostic value of this classification to predict the severity of COVID-19. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between January and September 2020, who presented with suspicious findings on CT lung images (n=69). We compared the association between the three predefined patterns (peripheral, multifocal, and diffuse) and admission to the intensive care unit, tracheal intubation, and death. The following demographic and clinical variables were compared between the three groups: sex, age, respiratory rate, pulse rate, blood pressure, temperature, oxygen saturation, partial pressure of oxygen, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, c-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, Krebs von den Lungen-6 antigen, D-dimer, platelet count, steroid administration, heparin administration, favipiravir administration, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score, and sequential organ failure assessment score.Results: Patients with a diffuse pattern were intubated more frequently and for a longer duration than patients with a peripheral or multifocal pattern. The following clinical variables were significantly different between the diffuse pattern and peripheral and multifocal groups: body temperature, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, c-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, Krebs von den Lungen-6 antigen, D-dimer, and steroid and Avigan administration.Conclusions: Our simple visual assessment of CT images can predict a systemic cytokine storm, a resulting decrease in respiratory function, and the need for supplemental respiratory ventilationamong patientswith COVID-19.