Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Persistent CT Scan Abnormalities after COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Cohort Study

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Radiological evolution COVID-19 pneumonia remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictive factors of persistent CT scan abnormalities (PCA) after COVID-19 pneumonia. <bold>Methods:</bold> This cohort study followed patients with COVID-19 pneumonia from October 2020 to December 2021. Patients were assessed for persistent clinical symptoms at one month and for chest CT scan abnormalities at four months. Two groups were identified: Group 1 (G1) with PCA and Group 2 (G2) with normal CT scan. A logistic regression model was employed to assess the relationship between PCA and explanatory variables. <bold>Results:</bold> A total of 240 patients were included. Sex ratio was 1.75, with a mean age of 57.6(± 11.5) years. The median length of stay was 10(7–15)days. Initial CT scans revealed wide impairment in 44% of patients and severe alteration in 23%. In G1,which represented 65% of patients,51% exhibited ground-glass opacities,22% showed bronchiectasis and 16% had consolidation. Patients in G1 were older(60.3±10:vs:54.2±12,p=0.001)smokers were frequent in G1(44%vs 40%:p=0.83), with hypertension, diabetes(37.6%vs 27%,p=0.2)higher BMI(30.2±5.1 vs29.4±4.0, p=0.49) and comorbidities. Dyspnea was common(87.17%vs 73%,p=0.021)longer length of hospital stay(12.8±7.4vs 8.8±3.3,p=0.001)a more severe initial CT severity score(CTSS)(34.18%vs17.46%,p=0.047)and a higher rate of intensive care unit admission(10%vs2.3%;p=0.15). Logistic regression identified older age, longer hospital stay, and presence of dyspnea as independent predictive factors of PCA. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Radiological sequelae are common, particularly in older individuals and those who experienced initial dyspnea.