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Computerized tomography of the Thorax for surgical patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: Was it useful?
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  • Ahmed Ismail,
  • Priya Sarkar,
  • Balasundaram Muthiah,
  • Nuha Yassin
Ahmed Ismail
Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust

Corresponding Author:ahmed.ismail@nhs.net

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Priya Sarkar
New Cross Hospital
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Balasundaram Muthiah
New Cross Hospital
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Nuha Yassin
New Cross Hospital
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Abstract

Objectives Diagnostic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic forced the radiology regulating body to adopt the use of CT Chest as a triage and diagnostic tool, which was subsequently abandoned. The Royal Wolverhampton hospital followed both protocols. Here, we investigate the evidence behind this decision within the context of surgical admissions during the COVID-19 peak in our hospital. Methods Retrospective data collection and analysis of all surgical admissions between the 1st of March to the 31st of May. Data was collected from the radiology and electronic portal looking into patients undergoing CT chest to diagnose the presence of C-19 as well as swab results. Results 78 patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The scan either confirmed the presence or absence (4, 63 patients) of C-19 but was sometimes inconclusive (11 patients). Comparing these to the results of the swabs; CT showed sensitivity 42.86 %, Specificity 97.92%, and accuracy 90.91 %. In the inconclusive CT report group, chances of having a positive swab result were 45%: None of the scan results changed any of the surgical planning. Lymphocyte count in the context of surgical presentation did not have any statistical significance to predict the presence of C-19 (P=0.7). Cost implications on our cohort of patients for adding the chest CT is estimated to be around £31,000. Conclusion CT Thorax during the pandemic was a good negative predictor but had limited diagnostic value and did not change patient management. Newer, faster techniques of PCR swabs and antibody testing would be a better and cheaper alternative. Advances in knowledge This paper provides evidence to support the decision from the regulatory bodies not to use CT scan as a screening tool for COVID 19 diagnosis.
20 Mar 2021Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
20 Mar 2021Submission Checks Completed
20 Mar 2021Assigned to Editor
30 Apr 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
05 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
28 Jun 20211st Revision Received
02 Jul 2021Submission Checks Completed
02 Jul 2021Assigned to Editor
02 Jul 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Jul 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Jul 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
29 Jul 20212nd Revision Received
29 Jul 2021Submission Checks Completed
29 Jul 2021Assigned to Editor
29 Jul 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Aug 2021Editorial Decision: Accept