Chest computed tomography assessment of patients with crimean- congo hemorrhagic fever: a comparison between survivors and nonsurvivors.

Abstract

Background objectives: This study aimed to assess chest computed tomography (CT) scans and laboratory parameters of patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) and compare results between survivors and non-survivors.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with CCHF between July 2012 and July 2021 were examined retrospectively. Patient data, thorax CT findings, laboratory results, and demographic characteristics were evaluated. Survivors and non-survivors were compared for ground-glass opacity (GGO), pleural effusion, atelectasis, lung consolidation, pulmonary nodules, bronchiectasis, pericardial effusion, and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. Laboratory findings and respiratory complaints were recorded regarding survival status.

Results: A total of 112 patients were included, with a mean age of 54.2 years and 56.3% male predominance. The most common CT findings were GGO (46.3%), pleural effusion (40%), and atelectasis (36.3%). GGO, pleural effusion, atelectasis, lung consolidation, and pericardial effusion were more frequent in non-survivors than survivors (p<0.05).Non-survivors demonstrated significantly altered laboratory parameters including elevated WBC counts (p<0.01), reduced platelet counts (p<0.001), decreased fibrinogen (p<0.01), and prolonged coagulation times (PT and aPTT, both p<0.001). Pleural effusion and GGO showed significantly higher mortality risk (11.23-fold and 5.89-fold adjusted, respectively).

Interpretation conclusion: GGO, lung consolidation, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and atelectasis may serve as poor prognostic indicators, necessitating close monitoring for patients with these potentially life-threatening findings.