Utilization of chest imaging in COVID 19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a viral infection that can lead to severe respiratory disease. Radiological examinations mainly computed tomography (CT) and Chest x-ray (CXR) play a role in diagnosis, follow-up, and management of COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this study was to look into the extent of using chest imaging in COVID-19 infection, as well to see if chest imaging in COVID-19 infections is justified and guided by clinical recommendation in Mosul, Iraq. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 245 people (93 males and 152 females), infected previously with COVID-19 infection in Mosul, Iraq. The participants were asked to self-complete an anonymous questionnaire. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The 245 participants had an average age of 25.7 ±8.44 years. The study sample included 57 (23.2%) with low education and 188 (76.7%) with moderate to high education. Among the radiological examinations undergone by these participants, chest X-ray (CXR) was the most common followed by chest computed tomography scan (CT scan). The CXR and the CT scan were done during the patient's illness either for diagnosis or follow-up of the disease. Non-clinically recommended examinations were reported by 64% and 20% of patients who undertook CXR and CT scan respectively, during COVID-19 illness. Higher education status was associated with a tendency to do non-recommended CXR examination during COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: CXR and CT imaging are the most commonly used radiological examinations in the diagnosis and follow-up in COVID-19 infection. However, a non-clinically recommended utilization of these examinations was noted in Mosul, Iraq during the pandemic. Therefore, educating people of this region about the limitation of non-justified uses of imaging is essential for healthy maintenance of individuals, environment, and resources.