Chest computed tomography assessment of patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: A comparison between survivors and non-survivors.

BACKGROUND

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess chest computed tomography (CT) scans and laboratory parameters of patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and compare results between survivors and non-survivors.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with CCHF between July 2012 and July 2021 were examined retrospectively. Patient data, thorax CT findings, laboratory results, and demographic characteristics were evaluated. Survivors and nonsurvivors were compared for ground-glass opacity (GGO), pleural effusion, atelectasis, lung consolidation, pulmonary nodules, bronchiectasis, pericardial effusion, and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Laboratory findings and respiratory complaints were recorded regarding survival status.

RESULTS

A total of 112 patients were included, with a mean age of 54.2 years and 56.3% male predominance. The most common CT findings were GGO (46.3%), pleural effusion (40%), and atelectasis (36.3%). GGO, pleural effusion, atelectasis, lung consolidation, and pericardial effusion were more frequent in non-survivors than survivors (p<0.05). Non-survivors demonstrated significantly altered laboratory parameters including elevated WBC counts (p<0.01), reduced platelet counts (p<0.001), decreased fibrinogen (p<0.01), and prolonged coagulation times (PT and aPTT, both p<0.001). Pleural effusion and GGO showed significantly higher mortality risk (11.23-fold and 5.89-fold adjusted, respectively).

INTERPRETATION

CONCLUSION

GGO, lung consolidation, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and atelectasis may serve as poor prognostic indicators, necessitating close monitoring for patients with these potentially life-threatening findings.