Exploring the Correlation Between Splenomegaly and Lung Involvement in COVID-19: A Retrospective Study.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), resulting from the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has not only shown substantial effects on the respiratory system but also on extrapulmonary systems, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological, and immune responses, notably spleen enlargement. The connection between the enlargement of the spleen and pulmonary complications in individuals with COVID-19 is still not well elucidated, with current studies offering divergent conclusions. Objective This study aims to elucidate the correlation between splenomegaly, as assessed by computed tomography (CT) imaging, and the extent of lung involvement (LI) in COVID-19 patients, thereby offering insights into potential prognostic indicators. Methodology A hospital-based, cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted involving 1058 symptomatic COVID-19 patients confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), aged 18 years and above. CT imaging was utilized to evaluate spleen size and LI. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and simple linear regression, were performed to explore the relationship between spleen size and LI. Results The study cohort exhibited a mean spleen size of 9.49 cm and a mean LI score of 0.272. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated at 0.0495, indicating a marginal positive correlation between spleen size and LI. Regression analysis demonstrated a minimal impact of spleen size on LI, with spleen size accounting for only 0.2% of the variance in LI scores. Conclusions The study found a slight, statistically non-significant correlation between splenomegaly and LI in COVID-19 patients, suggesting that while splenic enlargement may reflect systemic disease involvement, it is not a strong independent predictor of lung damage extent. The findings highlight the complexity of extrapulmonary manifestations and highlight the need for additional research to fully understand the implications of splenic involvement in COVID-19.

Vaccination and Its Impact on Lung Involvement in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study in India.

Background COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, led to a global pandemic necessitating urgent vaccine development and deployment. By the end of 2020, several vaccines had reached their clinical trial endpoints. India, leveraging its pharmaceutical prowess, developed two primary vaccines: CoviShield® and Covaxin®. Despite the availability of these vaccines, vaccine hesitancy became a notable challenge. This study aimed to assess the correlation between vaccination status and lung involvement in COVID-19 patients, aiming to fortify trust in vaccines and enhance vaccine uptake in India. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed data from 272 patients treated at a designated COVID-19 Care Center in Chennai, India, from May to July 2021. Patients were divided into vaccinated and unvaccinated groups, with vaccinated individuals further categorized based on the type and dose of vaccine received (CoviShield® or Covaxin®). Lung involvement was assessed through CT chest scans, and statistical analyses were performed to compare the severity of lung involvement across different groups. Results The vaccinated group demonstrated significantly lower mean lung involvement (28%) compared to the unvaccinated group (34.8%). Within vaccinated individuals, no significant differences were observed between different vaccine types and doses, suggesting a generalized protective effect of COVID-19 vaccination against severe lung involvement. Conclusion Vaccination against COVID-19 significantly reduces the severity of lung involvement among patients, irrespective of the vaccine brand or dose. This study reinforces the importance of vaccination in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and supports ongoing vaccination efforts.

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

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.