HR-CT and mortality in COVID-19

Abstract

The estimated mortality rate of COVID-19 is 3.5% on a global-wide scale, which is relatively low compared with the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. However, it varies by location, the intensity of transmission, and infection prevention and control measures. The mortality reached up to 6% in Wuhan (early epicenter area) in the early stage of the outbreak, and current 12.7% in Italy due to the rapid increase in the number of infections and shortage of medical resources. What is more, the mortality in critically ill patients has been reported as high as 60%. In this context, early identification of risk factors for poor prognosis, accurate evaluation of disease severity and monitoring disease progression will be essential to reduce the mortality rate of patients with COVID-19. Chest CT imaging plays a valuable role in the screening and dynamic evaluation of patients with COVID-19. This study puts in an effort to find whether the CT scores can be associated with the outcomes of the disease.