Follow-Up CT Patterns of Residual Lung Abnormalities in Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia Survivors: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

• DOI: 10.3390/tomography8030097
• Publication Date: 2022-04-21T07:46:11Z
• Authors: Giulia Besutti; Filippo Monelli; Silvia Schirò; Francesca Milone; Marta Ottone; Lucia Spaggiari; Nicola Facciolongo; Carlo Salvarani; Stefania Croci; Pierpaolo Pattacini; Nicola Sverzellati
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Prior studies variably reported residual chest CT abnormalities after COVID-19. This study evaluates the patterns of in severe COVID-19 pneumonia survivors. All consecutive survivors who received a scan 5-7 months two Italian hospitals (Reggio Emilia and Parma) were enrolled. Individual findings retrospectively collected follow-up scans categorized as: resolution, non-fibrotic abnormalities, or fibrotic according to classified following standard definitions international guidelines. In 225/405 (55.6%) patients, normal barely normal, whereas 152/405 (37.5%) 18/405 (4.4%) respectively found, 10/405 (2.5%) had post-ventilatory changes (cicatricial emphysema bronchiectasis anterior regions upper lobes). Among changes, either visible (n = 110/152) overt 20/152) ground-glass opacities (GGO), resembling nonspecific interstitial (NSIP) with without organizing features, represented most common findings. The frequent subpleural reticulation (15/18), traction (16/18) GGO (14/18), NSIP pattern. When multiple timepoints available until 12 65), extension decreased over time. NSIP, more frequently represents appearance post-severe pneumonia.