Association between abnormalities on chest computed tomography and pulmonary function in patients with respiratory symptoms at 12 months after COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and type of residual lung abnormalities on chest computed tomography (CT) and pulmonary function testing (PFT) variables in patients with respiratory symptoms related to post-COVID-19 condition at 12 months of follow-up, and to analyze associations between CT findings and PFT parameters.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The CT findings were evaluated by two radiologists, who calculated semiquantitative CT scores. The PFTs included spirometry, plethysmography, and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were included in the study. On CT scans of the chest acquired at 12 months of follow-up, 78.3% of the patients exhibited residual abnormalities, including reticular opacities, in 75.7%; traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis, in 43.2%; and fibrosis-like findings, in 43.2%. The mean overall CT score was 9.30 ± 2.59. Patients with fibrosis-like findings had significantly lower total lung capacity (68.6% vs. 80.6% of the predicted value; p = 0.018). A moderate negative correlation was found between the overall CT score and total lung capacity (rs = -0.49; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

It seems that a significant proportion of patients with respiratory symptoms related to post-COVID-19 condition demonstrate residual lung abnormalities on chest CT at 12 months of follow-up, with a substantial prevalence of fibrosis-like findings. Such abnormalities are associated with restrictive lung disease.