Chest CT performance and features of COVID-19 in the region of Abu Dhabi, UAE: a single institute study

OBJECTIVE: We aim to investigate high-resolution CT features of COVID-19 infection in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and to compare the diagnostic performance of CT scan with RT-PCR test. METHODS: Data of consecutive patients who were suspected to have COVID-19 infection and presented to our hospital were collected from March 2, 2020, until April 12, 2020. All patients underwent RT-PCR test; out of which 53.8% had chest CT scan done. Using RT-PCR as a standard reference, the sensitivity and specificity of the CT scan were calculated. We also analyzed the most common imaging findings in patients with positive RT-PCR results. RESULTS: The typical HRCT findings were seen in 50 scans (65.8%) out of total positive ones; 44 (77.2%) with positive RT-PCR results and 6 (31.6%) with negative results. The peripheral disease distribution was seen in 86%, multilobe involvement in 70%, bilateral in 82%, and posterior in 82% of the 50 scans. The ground glass opacities were seen in 50/74 (89.3%) of the positive RT-PCR group. The recognized GGO patterns in these scans were: rounded 50%, linear 38%, and crazy-paving 24%. Using RT-PCR as a standard of reference, chest HRCT scan revealed a sensitivity of 68.8% and specificity of 70%. CONCLUSION: The commonest HRCT findings in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were peripheral, posterior, bilateral, multilobe rounded ground-glass opacities. The performance of HRCT scan can vary depending on multiple factors.