Evaluation of Computed Tomography Imaging Findings in Suspected Pulmonary Infections with its Clinicmicrobiological Association

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary infections are one of the most common infections encountered in outpatient and inpatient clinical care. The most useful imaging modalities available for the evaluation of the patient of suspected pulmonary infections are chest radiography and computed tomography (CT). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the computed tomography imaging findings in pulmonary infections with their clinicomicrobiological association. Material an Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study included a total of 110 patients with suspected pulmonary infections referred for chest imaging. Initially, chest radiography examination was done in all the patients. Subsequently, all of the patients underwent either contrast-enhanced computed tomography or high-resolution computed tomography of the thorax as appropriate on SOMATOM definition flash 128 slice dual source energy CT or SOMATOM scope 32 slice CT. Imaging findings were interpreted independently and tabulated and subsequently associated with microbiological or pathological findings. Results: The majority of participants belonged to the 41 to 60 years age group (37.3%). Male predominance was noted with 75.5%. For bacterial infections, CT had a sensitivity of 90.62%, specificity of 96.92%, PPV of 93.55%, and NPV of 95.45%. Tubercular infections demonstrated 96.23% sensitivity and PPV, with specificity and NPV of 95.35%. Fungal infections had a sensitivity and PPV of 92.31%, and specificity and NPV of 98.77%. Conclusion: CT imaging is a valuable tool for diagnosing pulmonary infections, providing detailed insights into the nature and extent of the disease. When combined with microbiological and pathological tests, it offers a comprehensive approach to managing infections.