Abstract
PURPOSE: Given the lack of information about abdominal imaging findings and correlation with clinical features of COVID-19, we aimed to evaluate the changes in hepatic attenuation during the course of disease. Our aim was to correlate the liver-to-spleen ratio (L/S), clinical, laboratory findings, and lung CT scores of patients with COVID-19 who had two consecutive chest CTs. METHODS: A retrospective search was performed between March 1, 2020 and April 26, 2020 to identify patients who had positive RT-PCR tests and two unenhanced chest CTs. Scans that were obtained at hospital admission and follow-up were reviewed to assess L/S and lung CT scores. Patients were divided into two groups based on lung CT scores (non-progressive vs progressive). Patient demographics, laboratory findings, length of hospital stay, and survival were noted from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Twenty patients in the progressive group and 7 patients in the non-progressive group were identified. The mean L/S of the progressive group (1.13 ± 0.3) was lower than that of the non-progressive group (1.21 ± 0.29) at hospital admission but there was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.547). L/S at follow-up was significantly different between the groups as the mean L/S values of the progressive and non-progressive groups were 1.02 ± 0.23 and 1.25 ± 0.29, respectively (p = 0.009). L/S was negatively correlated with AST and ALT (r = - 0.46, p = 0.016 and r = - 0.534, p = 0.004, respectively). There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts that were obtained at hospital admission. Length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients in the progressive group (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Decrease in L/S may be observed in patients with elevated lung CT scores at follow-up. WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, and platelet counts at hospital admission may predict the progression of COVID-19.