Clinical and CT findings of coronavirus disease 2019 in the different age groups

ObjectiveTo analyze the differences of the clinical and CT imaging features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the different age groups.

MethodsThe clinical and CT data of 107 patients with clinically confirmed covid-19 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into three groups (< 30 years old group, 30-60 years old group, and >60 years old group) according to their ages.The CT findings and clinical data were analyzed in three groups.

ResultsThe typical clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in 107 patients showed fever (98.1%, 105/107) and cough (77.6%, 83/107).Laboratory examination showed increased C-reactive protein (63.6%, 68/107), and decreased white blood cells and lymphocytes (42.1%, 45/107;43.9%, 47/107).The typical CT findings displayed scattered subpleural ground-glass opacity in two lungs (94.4%, 101/107), most commonly accompanied with vasodilation (89.7%, 96/107) and halo sign (78.5%, 84/107).Dyspnea and clinical type were statistically significant between < 30 years old group, >60 years old group and 30-60 years old group, >60 years old group (P < 0.05).The difference of distribution of lung lobes in three groups was significant (P < 0.05).There were significant differences in paving stone sign and solid components between >60 years old group, < 30 years old group and 30-60 years old group (P < 0.05).

ConclusionsThe clinical manifestations, laboratory examination and CT findings of COVID-19 have some characteristics, but different age groups possess their own characteristics.Grasping characteristics of these clinical and CT imaging features is helpful for early definite diagnosis.