scholarly journals Lung Ultrasound in COVID-19 Patients: Characteristics and Factors Affecting its Diagnostic Accuracy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yilian Duan ◽  
Wen Zhang ◽  
Qian Li ◽  
Li Ji ◽  
Chunyan Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Interstitial Syndrome ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Chest Ct Scan

Abstract Background: Although chest computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosing the majority of lung conditions, its use in screening patients for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pneumonia is not recommended. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an alternative modality. To investigate the characteristics and diagnostic accuracy (DA) of bedside ultrasound for lung lesions in patients with COVID-19 and to determine the factors influencing the DA of lung ultrasound (LUS).Methods: A total of 330 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital between February and March 2020 were retrospectively recruited. The imaging characteristics of LUS and computed tomography (CT) scans were analysed and summarized. DA was calculated using a chest CT scan as the reference standard. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the DA of LUS for interstitial syndrome. Results: The ultrasound findings of COVID-19 patients presented mainly as B lines (195/330, 59.1%), unsmooth or interrupted pleural lines (118/330, 35.8%), consolidation lesions (74/330, 22.4%), and pleural effusion (11/330, 3.33%). Compared with the chest CT scan, the DA of LUS for interstitial syndrome, consolidation, pleural effusion, and pleural thickening were 0.821, 0.927, 0.988, and 0.863, respectively. The diagnostic coincidence rate of LUS and chest CT in the mild, common, severe, and critical groups were 93%, 68.6%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. According to the results of the binary logistic regression, sex, disease duration, experience of the doctor, and involved lobes were independent predictors of the DA for interstitial syndrome.Conclusions: LUS had good diagnostic performance for diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia, and showed a relatively low DA for interstitial syndrome. Female sex, doctors with less experience, long disease duration, and lesions limited to the upper or lower lobes may decrease the DA.

scholarly journals (F)utility of computed tomography of the chest in the presence of pleural effusion

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 181-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tilak Pathak ◽  
Malvinder S. Parmar
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Clinical Management ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Contrast Enhanced ◽  
Plain Chest ◽  
Chest X Ray ◽  
Chest Ct Scan

AbstractBackgroundPleural effusion is common and can cause significant morbidity. The chest X-ray is often the initial radiological test, but additional tests may be required to reduce uncertainty and to provide additional diagnostic information. However, additional exposure and unnecessary costs should be prevented. The objective of the study was to assess the clinical benefit of an additional chest computed tomography (CT) scan over plain chest X-ray alone in the management of patients with pleural effusion.MethodsRetrospective analysis in 94 consecutive patients with pleural effusion who underwent chest X-ray and CT scan over an 18-month period in a single institution. All chest X-ray and CT scan reports were compared and correlated with clinical parameters in order to assess their utility in the clinical management. No blinding was applied.ResultsIn 75 chest CT scan reports (80 %), information provided by the radiologist did not change clinical management when compared to plain chest X-ray alone and did not provide any additional information over chest X-ray. Only 2/49 (4 %) of the native chest CT scan reports provided clinically relevant information as compared to 17/45 (38 %) contrast-enhanced chest CT scan reports (p<0.001).ConclusionsIn this retrospective cohort of patients with pleural effusion, an additional chest CT scan was not useful in the majority of patients. However, if a chest CT scan is required, then a contrast-enhanced study after pleural aspiration should be performed. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

scholarly journals A Lower Level of Post-Vaccinal Antibody Titer against Influenza Virus A H1N1 May Protect Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases from Respiratory Viral Infections

Medicina ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 76
Author(s):  
Milomir S. Milanovic ◽  
Djordje M. Kadijevich ◽  
Ljudmila Stojanovich ◽  
Branislav Milovanovic ◽  
Aleksandra Djokovic
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Antibody Titer ◽  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Influenza Virus A ◽  
Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Viral Infections

Background and Objectives: The concentration of antibodies against virus influenza A H1N1 in the titer (≥1:32) positively correlates with resistance to flu in healthy persons. In elderly and immune-compromised patients, an influenza vaccine may be less immunogenic. Hypothesis: A lower post-vaccinal antibody titer (≥1:16) may be sero-protective against respiratory viral infections in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus—24; Rheumatoid Arthritis—15; and Sjögren’s Syndrome—11), who were at least 65 years old or whose relative disease duration (disease duration/age) was greater than 1/8, were examined. Thirty-four of them were vaccinated with a trivalent inactivated non-adjuvant influenza vaccine. The antibody concentration against influenza virus A H1N1 was measured using the standardized hemagglutination inhibition test and patients who got any respiratory viral infection were registered. To test the hypothesis, a correlative analysis was applied, followed by a binary logistic regression that included potential confounding variables, such as age, disease duration and therapy (personal/health-related conditions). Results: Vaccinated patients were significantly less affected by respiratory viral infections (21% vs. 75%). The lower titer considered (≥1:16) was significantly present more often among vaccinated patients (68% vs. 6%). The correlation between its presence/absence and that of respiratory viral infections was –0.34 (p < 0.05). The binary logistic regression evidenced the relevance of this correlation, confirming the hypothesis. Vaccination was associated with the 87.3% reduction in the likelihood of getting respiratory viral infections, whereas the lower antibody titer (≥1:16) was associated with the 77.6% reduction in the likelihood of getting respiratory viral infections. The vaccine was well tolerated by all patients and after vaccination no exacerbation of the underlying disease was observed. Conclusions: A lower antibody titer (≥1:16) against influenza virus A H1N1 could be protective against respiratory viral infections for certain autoimmune rheumatic diseases patients, which confirms the clinical effectiveness of influenza vaccination.

Lung Ultrasound Findings Compared to Chest CT Scan in Patients with COVID-19 Associated Pneumonia: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamidreza Hatamabadi ◽  
Majid Shojaee ◽  
Mohammad Bagheri ◽  
Masoomeh Raoufi
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Lung Ultrasound ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Ground Glass Opacity ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Clinical Value ◽  
Ultrasound Evaluation ◽  
Chest Ct Scan

Introduction: Lung US has been reported to be as useful as a chest CT scan and much better than a chest x-ray for the evaluation of pneumonia. Objective: This study aimed to compare the findings of lung ultrasound (US) and chest CT scan of patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia in the Emergency Department (ED). Methods: This retrospective observational pilot study was carried out on confirmed COVID-19 patients in the isolation corona ward of the Imam Hussein Hospital ED from March 15 to March 22, 2020. After obtaining demographic data, the patients underwent a pulmonary bedside US examination, with the patients in the sitting position, turning their back to the examiner. A 10-point lung US was performed. Each lung was divided into two areas: posterior (three zones) and lateral (two zones). The patients’ lung ultrasound and chest CT scan as the standard imaging were blindly reviewed and recorded. The clinical value of ultrasound was evaluated with different severity of lung involvement according to CT severity score. Results: Nineteen patients (38 zones), including 13 males, were evaluated with a mean age of 62.5±16.8 years. B2 lines and consolidation observed in the US examinations were significantly correlated with ground-glass opacity and consolidation observed in CT scan examinations, respectively (p <0.0001). US sensitivity and specificity of finding B2 lines were 90% and 100%, respectively. Also, the sensitivity and specificity of US in identifying consolidation were 82% and 100%, respectively. In the lungs with moderate and severe lobar involvement, US findings were significantly correlated (p <0.05) with CT scan findings. Conclusions: Ultrasound evaluation is a safe, fast, and rapid technique for the evaluation of patients with moderate to severe COVID-19-associated pneumonia. It is a reproducible procedure and can be implemented by the operator after a short course of training.

Clinical Factors Associated With Response to Fecal Diversion in Crohn’s Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (10) ◽  
pp. 1277-1280
Author(s):  
Hassan Buhulaigah ◽  
Adam Truong ◽  
Karen Zaghiyan ◽  
Phillip Fleshner
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Clinical Response ◽  
Disease Duration ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Fecal Diversion ◽  
Age At Diagnosis ◽  
Perianal Disease ◽  
Perineal Pain

Up to 80% of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients require surgery. Fecal diversion is used selectively in CD proctocolitis refractory to medical treatment or advanced perianal disease. This study examines associations between clinical features in predicting clinical response (CR) to fecal diversion in CD. Charts of CD patients undergoing fecal diversion for medically refractory disease or perianal disease were reviewed. Clinical response was assessed focusing on improvements in urgency, abdominal and perineal pain, decreased anal fistula drainage, and weight gain. Univariate binary logistic regression and multivariate forward-stepwise modeling analysis were used to determine associations with CR. The study cohort comprised 79 patients. After a median follow-up of 36 (3-192) months, 40 (51%) patients achieved a CR. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed both age at diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05; confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.09; P = .007) and disease duration (HR .91; CI .86-.96; P = .001) to be significantly associated with CR. Later age of onset (HR 1.05; CI 1.01-1.10; P = .002) and shorter disease duration (HR .91; CI .86-.97; P = .02) remained significant on multivariate analysis. This largest reported series of fecal diversion for refractory CD in the biologic drug era revealed that young age at diagnosis and long disease duration are associated with a lower CR.

Comparative Diagnostic Performances of Auscultation, Chest Radiography, and Lung Ultrasonography in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Lichtenstein ◽  
Ivan Goldstein ◽  
Eric Mourgeon ◽  
Philippe Cluzel ◽  
Philippe Grenier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Chest Radiography ◽  
Distress Syndrome ◽  
Lung Ultrasonography ◽  
Interstitial Syndrome ◽  
Thoracic Computed Tomography

Background Lung auscultation and bedside chest radiography are routinely used to assess the respiratory condition of ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Clinical experience suggests that the diagnostic accuracy of these procedures is poor. Methods This prospective study of 32 patients with ARDS and 10 healthy volunteers was performed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of auscultation, bedside chest radiography, and lung ultrasonography with that of thoracic computed tomography. Three pathologic entities were evaluated in 384 lung regions (12 per patient): pleural effusion, alveolar consolidation, and alveolar-interstitial syndrome. Results Auscultation had a diagnostic accuracy of 61% for pleural effusion, 36% for alveolar consolidation, and 55% for alveolar-interstitial syndrome. Bedside chest radiography had a diagnostic accuracy of 47% for pleural effusion, 75% for alveolar consolidation, and 72% for alveolar-interstitial syndrome. Lung ultrasonography had a diagnostic accuracy of 93% for pleural effusion, 97% for alveolar consolidation, and 95% for alveolar-interstitial syndrome. Lung ultrasonography, in contrast to auscultation and chest radiography, could quantify the extent of lung injury. Interobserver agreement for the ultrasound findings as assessed by the kappa statistic was satisfactory: 0.74, 0.77, and 0.73 for detection of alveolar-interstitial syndrome, alveolar consolidation, and pleural effusion, respectively. Conclusions At the bedside, lung ultrasonography is highly sensitive, specific, and reproducible for diagnosing the main lung pathologic entities in patients with ARDS and can be considered an attractive alternative to bedside chest radiography and thoracic computed tomography.

scholarly journals Chest CT Imaging Characteristics of COVID-19 Pneumonia in Surviving and Non-Surviving Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Study in a Referral Center in Tehran, Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Besharat ◽  
Fatemehsadat Rahimi ◽  
Siamak Afaghi ◽  
Farzad Esmaeili Tarki ◽  
Fatemeh Pourmotahari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pleural Effusion ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Early Management ◽  
Ct Findings ◽  
Imaging Characteristics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chest Ct Scan ◽  
Lung Lobes

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has several chest computed tomography (CT) characteristics, which are important for the early management of this disease, because viral detection via RT-PCR can be time-consuming, resulting in a delayed pneumonia diagnosis. The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) proposed a reporting language for CT findings related to COVID-19 and defined four CT categories: typical, indeterminate, atypical, and negative. Objectives: To retrospectively evaluate the chest CT characteristics of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients and Methods: A total of 115 hospitalized laboratory-verified COVID-19 cases, underdoing chest CT scan, were included in this study from April 30 to May 15, 2020. Of 115 cases, 53 were discharged from the hospital, and 62 expired. The initial clinical features and chest CT scans were assessed for the type, pattern, distribution, and frequency of lesions. Moreover, the findings were compared between ward-hospitalized, ICU-admitted, and non-surviving (expired) patients. Results: Of four CT categories, typical CT findings for COVID-19 were more frequent in the expired group (77.4%), compared to the ward-admitted (44.8%) and ICU-admitted (70.8%) groups (P = 0.017). However, no significant difference was observed in the prevalence of intermediate or atypical CT findings between the groups. Negative CT scans for the diagnosis of COVID-19 were significantly fewer in the expired group (0%) as compared to the ward-admitted (10.3%) and ICU-admitted (8.3%) groups (P = 0.0180). Also, the mean number of involved lung lobes and segments was significantly higher in the expired group compared to the other two groups (P = 0.032 and 0.010, respectively). The right upper lobe involvement, right middle lobe involvement, bilateral involvement, central lesion, air bronchogram, and pleural effusion were among CT scan findings with a significantly higher prevalence in non-surviving cases (P < 0.0001, 0.047, 0.01, 0.036, 0.038, and 0.047, respectively). Conclusion: The increased number of involved lung lobes and segments, bilateral and central distribution patterns, air bronchogram, and severe pleural effusion in the initial chest CT scan can be related to the increased severity and poor prognosis of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Specificity of chest computed tomography in COVID-19-associated pneumonia: a retrospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
T. A. Korb ◽  
P. V. Gavrilov ◽  
V. Yu. Chernina ◽  
I. A. Blokhin ◽  
O. O. Aleshina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Chest Computed Tomography ◽  
Moscow City ◽  
Attending Physician ◽  
Chest Ct Scan

Aim: To assess the specificity of COVID-19- associated pneumonia detection by radiologists using a chest CT scan.Materials and methods: From mid-February to early March 2020, 65  patients have been retrospectively selected from the Moscow City Clinical Hospital database; all of them had been treated in an inpatient facility with a  verified diagnosis of COVID-19. In addition, 75  patients from the Unified Radiological Information Service have been randomly selected. In December 2019, these outpatients had been sent by an attending physician for a  chest CT scan with suspected pneumonia. The imaging studies showed non-specific inflammation signs in the lungs. All 140  scans were analyzed by seven radiologists from different Russian cities, who independently categorized each study as “COVID-19” or “Other pneumonia”.Results: Chest computed tomography had a  92%  specificity in the differential diagnosis of COVID-19-associated pneumonia, and its specificity in the general population is expected to be at least 80% with a high probability. The inter-rater variability was low (coefficient of variation for specificity 12.6%). The sensitivity in our study was 76.2%, and the coefficient of variation for sensitivity 23.5%. These findings are generally consistent with other studies. The primary study limitation is the absence of a sample with confirmed pneumonia caused by other viruses.Conclusion: Chest CT is highly specific for the detection of COVID-19-associated pneumonia.

scholarly journals AI-Based Image Processing for COVID-19 Detection in Chest CT Scan Images

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hussein Kaheel ◽  
Ali Hussein ◽  
Ali Chehab
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Image Processing ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Levels Of Analysis ◽  
Training Phase ◽  
The Right ◽  
Best Fit ◽  
Chest Ct Scan

The COVID-19 pandemic has attracted the attention of big data analysts and artificial intelligence engineers. The classification of computed tomography (CT) chest images into normal or infected requires intensive data collection and an innovative architecture of AI modules. In this article, we propose a platform that covers several levels of analysis and classification of normal and abnormal aspects of COVID-19 by examining CT chest scan images. Specifically, the platform first augments the dataset to be used in the training phase based on a reliable collection of images, segmenting/detecting the suspicious regions in the images, and analyzing these regions in order to output the right classification. Furthermore, we combine AI algorithms, after choosing the best fit module for our study. Finally, we show the effectiveness of this architecture when compared to other techniques in the literature. The obtained results show that the accuracy of the proposed architecture is 95%.

scholarly journals Factors influencing nurses' knowledge and skills in the prevention and management of postpartum haemorrhage

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joho A. Angelina ◽  
Stephen M. Kibusi ◽  
Ipyana Mwampagatwa
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Postpartum Haemorrhage ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Reduced Model ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Maternity Unit ◽  
Knowledge And Skills ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Nurses Knowledge

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the main causes of maternal death. In Tanzania, 25% of maternal deaths are the result of PPH. Gaps in practitioner knowledge in the prevention and management of this issue may lead to severe maternal complications and death. Little has been documented about nurses' knowledge and skills regarding PPH prevention and management. Objective: To determine the factors influencing nurses' knowledge and skill in the prevention and management of PPH in the Dodoma Region, Central Tanzania. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 172 nurses working in Dodoma, Tanzania. Data on the sociodemographic characteristics of the nurses was collected using a structured questionnaire. Knowledge on PPH was assessed using a validated questionnaire and skills were assessed using an observational checklist. The chi-squared test was used to find associations between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and skills. Binary logistic regression (both reduced and full models) was used to identify significant predictors of knowledge and skills. Results: The findings indicated that being ≥40 years old (OR=2.87, P=0.004), being a registered nurse (OR=2.73, P=0.002), having >3 years of professional training (OR=2.38, P=0.01), and having ≥5 years of experience in a maternity unit (OR=3.06, P<0.00) were significant predictors for knowledge in the prevention and management of PPH in a reduced model of binary logistic regression. Being ≥40 years old (OR=11.5, P=0.00), having >3 years of professional training (OR=4.58, P<0.00), and having ≥5 years of experience in a maternity unit (OR=9.14, P<0.00) were significant predictors for skills in the reduced model. After adjusting to control for possible confounders, being a registered nurse was the only significant predictor of nurses' knowledge (AOR=3.35, P=0.001), while having ≥5 years experience in a maternity unit was the only significant predictor of nurses' skills (AOR=3.89, P=0.01). Conclusion: Professional qualification and experience in a maternity unit are significant factors influencing nurses' knowledge and skills, respectively, in the prevention and management of PPH.

Low Tibial Valgization Osteotomy for More Severe Varus Ankle Arthritis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (9) ◽  
pp. 1122-1132
Author(s):  
Jun Young Choi ◽  
Kun Woo Kim ◽  
Jin Soo Suh
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Ankle Arthritis ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Opening Wedge ◽  
Hindfoot Alignment ◽  
Factors Influencing

Background: Low tibial valgization osteotomy with medial opening wedge (LTO) is generally indicated for ankle arthritis with a small talar tilt (TT). We addressed the following research questions: the efficacy of LTO for more significant varus ankle arthritis, the effect of additional inframalleolar correction followed by LTO, and the preoperative or operation-related factors influencing postoperative TT decrease. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the radiographic and clinical findings of 31 patients with more significant varus ankle arthritis (≥8 degrees) who underwent LTO or LTO plus inframalleolar correction. We grouped the included patients according to combination with inframalleolar correction and postoperative decreased TT. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors influencing postoperative TT decrease. Results: Even though the mean TT was unchanged postoperatively (from 12.1 to 9.9 degrees, P = .052), clinical parameters were significantly increased. In the group with concomitant inframalleolar correction, we found that TT was more corrected (3.9 vs 1.8 degrees, P = .023) with a greater lateralization of the talar center and a greater correction of the hindfoot alignment to valgus. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between postoperative decreased TT and preoperative talar center migration ( P = .016), hindfoot alignment angle ( P = .033), hindfoot moment arm ( P = .041), and hindfoot alignment ratio ( P = .016). Conclusion: LTO in more significant varus ankle arthritis could result in clinical improvement, although TT was not significantly changed. We recommend adding inframalleolar correction after LTO for the patients with more significant varus ankle arthritis. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.

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