X-ray patterns of COVID-19 in patients presenting to Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan

Objective: To determine the pattern of COVID-19 on chest radiograph in patients presenting to Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 178 consecutive swab positive COVID-19 patients presenting to Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from 15th March to 15th June 2020. Patients of all ages and both genders were included. Chest X-rays performed by portable radiography unit were viewed for different patterns by two consultant radiologists independently and results were analyzed using IBM SPSS 20.

Results: Out of 178 patients 134 were male. Mean age was 55.67 years. Radiographic patterns observed were ground glass haze without or with reticulation and/or consolidation (45.5 % and 33.2% respectively) and predominant consolidation either alone or in combination with ground glass haze or other findings (27.1% collectively). Peripheral distribution pattern was seen in 69.1% of patients with bilateral findings in 84.3%. Further categorization was based on pulmonary zonal demarcation with changes most commonly involving four zones (33.1%) i.e., the lower and mid zones bilaterally.

Conclusion: Portable chest radiography is an essential supporting tool for assessing different patterns in COVID-19 infection. The most common pattern observed is alveolar opacities with predominant peripheral distribution either unilateral or more frequently bilateral, starting from the lower and mid zones extending to the upper zones and becoming diffuse with disease progression.