Correlation of laboratory parameters and Chest CT findings in young adults with COVID-19 and comparison of imaging findings with children

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to compare COVID-19 imaging findings of young adults (19-35 years of age) with those of children (0-18 years) and to correlate imaging findings of young adults with their laboratory tests.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed 130 young adults (mean age: 28.39 ± 4.77; 65 male, 65 female) and 36 children (mean age: 12.41 ± 4.51; 17 male, 19 female), between March and June 2020. COVID-19 related imaging findings on chest CT were examined in young adults and compared with children by the Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Laboratory examinations of young adults were assessed in terms of correlation with radiological findings by the Spearman's correlation analysis.

Results: Bilateral multiple distributions (p = 0.014), subpleural involvement, and pleural thickening (p = 0.004), GGOs with internal consolidations were more frequent in adults (p = 0.009). Infiltrations were significantly larger than 20 mm in young adults (p = 0.011). The rates of feeding vessel sign, vascular enlargement, and halo sign were significantly higher in young adults (p < 0.003). Highly significant positive correlations were found between radiological and biochemical parameters.

Conclusion: Distribution, size, and pattern of COVID-19 related imaging findings differed in children and young adults. Radiological findings were correlated with biochemical parameters but not with blood count results of young adults.

Keywords: COVID-19; Children; Computed tomography; Young adults.