CHEST RADIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN PEDIATRIC HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 INFECTION
Background: This study aims to evaluate the COVID-19 related chest radiographic ndings in hospitalised paediatric patients in tertiary care hospital. Method: In this retrospective study, we included 52 RT-PCR COVID-19 positive hospitalized paediatric patients who presented with moderate to severe COVID-19 related symptoms or patients admitted in medical/surgical wards and found to be RT PCR positive during screening process as per our hospital policy. Results: Only Consolidation was seen in 8 (22.3%) patients. Interstitial markings and peribronchial thickening without consolidation was seen in 12 (33.3%) patients. Consolidation with interstitial markings were seen in 16 (44.4%) patients. Most common distribution pattern of consolidation/interstitial markings was central seen in 24 (66.7%) patients followed by mixed ( peripheral and central) seen in 8(22.3%) patients and peripheral in 4 (11%) patient. Pleural effusion was present in 4(11%) patient. Pneumothorax was present in 2(5.5%) patient. Conclusion: Imaging ndings of COVID-19 pneumonia have been less studied in paediatric population due to its asymptomatic/mild clinical presentation and poor sensitivity of RTPCR test in detecting COVID-19 infection. We found central and mixed chest radiographic pattern as most common abnormal pattern in paediatric population which is in contrast to the peripheral pattern seen in adult population.