Comparison of chest CT findings in outpatient and hospitalized COVID-19 RT-PCR positive patients of Shiraz

INTRODUCTION: Chest CT provides valuable information regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the treatment process. The present study aimed to assess the distribution of chest CT findings in outpatient (OPD) and hospitalized corona patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a retrospective study. Archived corona patient's data on the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) was assessed in terms of demographic data and patients' lungs' radiologic features. The OPD and hospitalized patients referred to University hospitals from February 20 to the study's date were evaluated. Data were analyzed using independent chi-square and t-test. RESULTS: Five hundred and fifty nine patients, including 187 OPD and 372 hospitalized patients, were analyzed. The frequency of normal chest CT, typical, and possible corona features was 37.4%, 40.8%, and 14.3%. The normal chest CT rate was significantly higher in outpatient versus hospitalized patients (P<0.001). Consolidation and/or ground-glass opacity were seen in 61% of patients, considerably higher in hospitalized patients (P<0.001). 2% and 15% OPD and hospitalized patients had more than 25% lung involvement, respectively. The frequency of other signs such as Crazy Paving, atoll sign, subpleural band/distortion also was significantly higher in hospitalized patients (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Most OPD patients had less than 5% lung involvement or normal chest CT. The typical features of lung involvement in COVID-19 were significantly higher in hospitalized patients.