Chest CT Scan Features of COVID-19 in a Hospitalized High-Altitude Population

Abstract

There is a lack of knowledge regarding the type of lung compromise in high-altitude residents with COVID-19. This study aims to evaluate the lung compromise in chest CT scans of high-altitude dwellers hospitalized with COVID-19. Retrospective study that took place in "Daniel Alcides Carrión" Regional Hospital, located 3,250 meters above sea level in the city of Huancayo, Perú. 464 medical charts and chest CT images of hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 from January to March 2021 were reviewed. The mean age was 56 years, 63.1% of the patients were male, and 85.8% of individuals had a CORADS 5. Ground glass infiltrates were found in 93.8% of the patients; alveolar consolidations were present in 86% and were usually bilateral. Thickened septa were described in 46%, lattice pattern in 38.8%, reticular components in 39%, and the crazy paving pattern in 36.9%. Most patients (84.5%) had central and peripheral lesions; only 4% had limited peripheral compromise, and 10% solely central distribution. The left posterior basal segment was the most affected pulmonary segment in 27% of the cases, and the right basal posterior in 26%. Less affected segments were the right and left apical (14% and 13%, respectively). Lung compromise in patients with COVID-19 in this high-altitude population was severe, with mostly bilateral compromise, increased diameter of the pulmonary artery, periaortic and subaortic lymph nodes enlargement, and extensive ground glass and alveolar lesions.