Table 2 Classification of the included patients according to clinical situation and impact on clinical decision after HRCT results

Asymptomatic

(Initially screened)

[1]

People with positive contact history with proved COVID-19 patients:

30/60 patients (including):

- First degree relatives (17).

- Work colleagues (13).

* N.B: 19/30 patients (63%) had negative prior first PCR results.

50%

28.4%

21.6%

31.7%

Home isolation, medical treatment and PCR testing instead for uncontrolled release. (Repeating PCR for those 19 patients who showed initial negative prior PCR swab tests’ results → Proved positive later).

[2]

Health care providers with positive contact history with proved COVID-19 patients:

12/60 patients (including):

- 7 doctors

- 5 nurses.

* N.B: 7/12 patients (58.3%) had negative prior first PCR results.

20%

11.7%

8.3%

11.7%

Home isolation, medical treatment and PCR testing instead of continuing providing health service. (Repeating PCR for those 7 patients who showed negative prior PCR swab tests’ results → Proved positive later).

[3]

Dialysis unit: Chest HCRT screening before admission for dialysis.

4/60 patients known with end stage renal disease (ESRD)

6.7%

PCR testing, isolated hospitalization and isolated dialysis.

[4]

Oncology unit: Chest HRCT screening before admission for receiving chemotherapy.

2/60 patients (including):

- Metastasizing colon cancer.

- Breast cancer.

3.3%

PCR testing, isolated hospitalization and delay of chemotherapy cycles.

[5]

Emergency unit: Chest HRCT screening before surgery planning.

2/60 patients (including):

- RTA.

- Abdominal exploration.

3.3%

* PCR testing and isolated hospitalization with for the patients.

* Full PPE order for the surgery stuff.

[6]

Intervention unit: Chest HRCT screening before interventional procedure.

1/60 patient asked for CT guided biopsy

1.7%

* PCR testing, isolated hospitalization, and delaying biopsy appointment.

[7]

Radiology unit: Chest HRCT screening during or before performing extra-thoracic radiological investigation.

9/60 patients (including):

- CT enterocolonography (5).

- Urgent CT abdomen (3).

- Dorsal spine MRI as metastatic workup for cancer prostate (1).

15%

8.3%

5%

1.7%

* Strict infection control measures for CT and MRI machines.

* PCR testing then home isolation and isolated hospitalization for 3 and 6 patients respectively.

* Full PPE instructions for the surgery stuff required for the three urgent cases.

Asymptomatic (Recovered)

60 Patients

* All had unremarkable laboratory tests and normal O₂ sat levels.

100%

* Whatever the unexpected CT findings or lesions size, clinical decision remain unchanged; no need for re-isolation or re-hospitalization.

* Steroids were prescribed to speed lung recovery.

* Long term follow up for lung fibrosis was advised.