Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences (Oct 2024)
Imaging Findings in Patients With Influenza A Infection Referring To Razi Hospital
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Influenza remains a significant global health concern, necessitating continuous research to understand its clinical manifestations and prognostic indicators. While the accurate diagnosis of pneumonia etiology is based on microbiological tests, clinical and radiological data can help narrow the differential diagnosis. This study, conducted at the Razi Educational and Medical Center in Ghaemshahr, aimed to comprehensively evaluate the radiological findings among patients diagnosed with influenza. Additionally, it sought to explore potential correlations between these radiological manifestations and various demographic and clinical characteristics. Materials and Methods: Using a prospective cohort design, the study enrolled individuals who were admitted to Razi Hospital in Ghaemshahr with symptoms indicative of influenza from 2018 to 2019. Upon admission, all patients underwent comprehensive CT scans within 24 hours to assess the extent and nature of pulmonary involvement. The data collected from these evaluations were analyzed statistically using SPSS software, with a significance level set at P<0.05. Results: The cohort consisted of 52 patients diagnosed with influenza, confirmed through both clinical assessments and laboratory tests. Among them, 30 were male (57.7%) and 22 were female (42.3%). Notably, 9 patients (17.3%) required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to the severity of their condition. Of these ICU patients, 7 (77.8%) unfortunately succumbed to the influenza infection, highlighting the seriousness of this viral illness. Regarding the radiological assessments, the study found that while 13 patients (25%) showed normal findings on imaging studies, a significant majority of 39 patients (75%) exhibited varying degrees of pulmonary abnormalities. These abnormalities were characterized by a range of radiological manifestations, with alveolar infiltration, ground-glass opacities, and consolidation being the most common findings. Alveolar infiltration, observed in 14 patients (26.9%), emerged as a notable indicator of poorer prognosis among the influenza-infected cohort. The findings of this study underscore a significant correlation between abnormal lung imaging—particularly alveolar infiltration—and an unfavorable prognosis in patients with influenza. These radiological patterns serve as valuable prognostic markers, providing critical insights into the clinical course of the illness and potentially aiding in the formulation of strategic interventions. Conclusion: The study highlights the pivotal role of radiological assessments, particularly the identification of alveolar infiltration, in predicting outcomes among individuals with influenza. These findings emphasize the importance of using radiological evaluations as essential tools in clinical decision-making, enabling timely interventions and improving patient care in influenza management protocols.
