Clinical features and temporal changes of RT-PCR and chest CT in
COVID-19 pediatric patients
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the clinical features and temporal changes of
RT-PCR and CT in COVID-19 pediatric patients. Methods: Clinical, RT-PCR
and CT features of 114 COVID-19 pediatric inpatients were
retrospectively reviewed from January 21st to March 14th 2020. All
patients had chest CT on admission and were identified as positive
pharyngeal swab nucleic acid test. Clinical features were analyzed, as
well as the features and temporal changes of RT-PCR and CT. Results:
Fever (62, 54%) and cough (61, 54%) were the most common symptoms.
There were 34 (30%) cases of concurrent infections. The most common
imaging features on CT were ground-glass opacities (46, 40%) and
consolidation (46, 40%). The bilateral lower lobes were the most common
pattern of involvement, with 63 cases (55%) involving 1-2 lobes, and in
32 (28%) cases CT was normal. Through the whole duration of COVID-19 in
children, the diagnostic positive rate of RT-PCR has been far higher
than that of CT (All P<·05). For RT-PCR follow-up, reliable negative
results were obtained only 7 days after the onset of symptoms. Though
Lung involvement on chest CT progressed rapidly in several cases, lung
involvement in children with COVID-19 is mild, with a median value of 2
on CT score. Conclusion: RT-PCR is more reliable than CT in initial
diagnosis of pediatric patients with COVID-19. On follow up, reliable
RT-PCR results are available 7 days after initial symptoms. Only if
necessary, CT could be used for follow-up.