Thyroid Density in CT Imaging as a Potential Marker of Lung Involvement in COVID-19: A Retrospective Analysis

TL;DR

This study investigated whether thyroid density seen on CT scans could indicate lung involvement in COVID-19 patients but found no significant link.

Contribution

The study contributes a retrospective analysis on the potential use of thyroid density as a marker for lung involvement in COVID-19.

Findings

Most patients had normal thyroid density on CT scans.

No significant association was found between thyroid density and lung involvement in COVID-19 patients.

Abstract

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has underscored the multifaceted impact of the virus on human health, extending beyond the respiratory system to involve other organ systems, including the endocrine system. Emerging evidence suggests a notable interaction between COVID-19 and thyroid function, characterized by alterations in thyroid hormone levels and structural changes within the gland. This study aims to explore the association between thyroid density on CT imaging and lung involvement in patients with COVID-19, potentially offering new insights into the systemic effects of the virus.

Methodology

A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 1,066 patients with COVID-19 who underwent chest CT scans without contrast at Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai, which was designated as the COVID-19 care center from April to June 2021. Thyroid density and lung involvement were quantitatively assessed, and their correlation was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Shapiro-Wilk test for normality.

Results

The study population predominantly exhibited normal thyroid density (749, 70.3%), followed by altered (212, 19.9%), nodular (104, 9.8%), and a single instance (0.1%) of absent thyroid density. Despite variability in lung involvement across different thyroid density categories, statistical analysis revealed no significant association between thyroid density and the extent of lung involvement in patients with COVID-19.

Conclusions

This study found no significant correlation between thyroid density and lung involvement in patients with COVID-19, suggesting that thyroid density on CT imaging may not serve as a reliable marker for lung involvement in this population. Further research is warranted to explore the complex interactions between COVID-19 and thyroid function, as well as the potential implications for patient management and prognosis.

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