| dc.description.abstract | COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a highly infectious global pandemic. Diagnosis
relies on the RTPCR test, with Cycle threshold (Ct ) value as an indirect measure of viral
load. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest imaging aids in assessing
disease severity as a secondary diagnostic tool. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate
the relationship between HRCT quantitative parameters, biochemical markers, and
disease severity in 50 COVID-19 con rmed subjects. HRCT images were analyzed using
3D Slicer software to extract lung volumes. Patients were categorized based on Computed
Tomography Chest Severity Score (CTSS) grades. Biochemical parameters including Ct
value, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and serum ferritin levels were collected. The
study found that the viral load of COVID-19 subjects ranged from 11 to 33 with a mean
value of 21.74 5.42. No signi cant correlation was observed between lung volumes and
Ct value (p>0.05), but a moderate positive correlation was found between white blood cell
(WBC) count and Ct value (rs(48)=0.441, p=0.01). Although Ct value did not signi cantly
di er between CTSS grades, signi cant variations in the Ct value among lung volumes
and the ratio of a ected lung volume to functional lung volume were observed (p<0.05).
These ndings emphasize the importance of comprehensive evaluations using radiological
and biochemical assessments for COVID-19 patients. Further research is needed for better
understanding of the relationships between HRCT quantitative parameters, viral load,
and disease severity, which can enhance treatment decisions and patient management
strategies. | en_US |
