A Retrospective Study on D-Dimer Level Correlation with CT Scan Changes in COVID Pneumonia in a Tertiary Care Centre ICU

Abstract

In the present study evaluated the relationship between D-Dimer level and CT changes in lungs in a group of patients having COVID 19 and admitted in ICU with need for assisted ventilation. This is a retrospective study. The patient informations including the D-Dimer levels and CT scan reports, ICU admission status were obtained from the medical record department and evaluated. Among the 50 patients evaluated 94% had D-Dimer levels elevated than normal. In 98% of patients had CT scan changes in lung parenchyma. In minimal changes in CT scan group 4/5(80%) patients had D-Dimer level elevated. In Moderate severity 27 /28 patients (98%) had elevated D-dimer level. In severe CT scan changes 15/16 (93%) had high D-Dimer level. In one patient (2%) who had no CT scan changes D-Dimer was elevated. D-Dimer levels can serve as bio a marker for lung inflammation and indicate the SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. It can be used in the triage of patients without delaying for the radiographic examination of lung.