Comparison of RT-PCR and CT Scan in Terms of Their Diagnostic Performance for Coronavirus ۲۰۱۹ in Yazd, Iran

Background and Objective: Due to the importance of the rapid diagnosis of SARS-COV-۲, many studies have been performed on various diagnostic methods. In this vein, the aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic value of chest CT with RT-PCR in patients with suspected COVID-۱۹. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research was conducted at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd. A total of ۵۳۱ patients were randomly referred to the CT scan department for chest imaging (spiral or HRCT).Based on the PCR findings, they were divided into: positive and negative PCR groups. The CT scan findings were then recorded in a data collection form. Finally, the CT scan results of the two groups were compared. Results: In this study, ۵۳۱ patients (۳۰۶ males and ۲۲۵ females with the mean age of ۵۵.۱۴ ± ۱۹.۷) were examined. The findings of reverse hallo (P = ۰.۰۰۰) and strict consolidation (P= ۰.۰۰۱) in CT scan were significantly different for the positive and negative PCR groups. Through the comparative analysis of the results, the sensitivity of CT scan and PCR findings emerged to be ۹۷.۴۲ and ۵۵.۷۵, respectively. However, the specificity of both diagnostic methods was ۱۰۰%. Conclusion: The results of this study show that, owing to the higher sensitivity of chest CT for the diagnosis of COVID-۱۹ pneumonia, performing CT scan for quick diagnosis is recommended for COVID suspected people with negative RT-PCR test results.

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , Pneumonia , Diagnosis , CT- Scan , RT- PCR