Does Upper Respiratory System Infection or Pneumonia Affect PCR Results in COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of PCR test positivity between suspected COVID-19 patients presenting with pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). Materials and Methods: The records of 80 patients admitted to the Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital pandemic clinic suspected COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed. Eighty patients hospitalized with high suspicion of COVID-19 were divided into URTI and pneumonia by evaluating their thorax CT (computed tomography) results and symptoms. Two experienced radiologists evaluated thoracic CT images taken to the patients. CT findings were classified as negative for typical appearance, indeterminate appearance, atypical appearance, and pneumonia. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, contact history, treatment, presenting symptoms and laboratory values of the patients were recorded. Results: Data of 80 patients were analyzed in the study. It was observed that there were 29 patients (36.3%) with normal CT findings and URTI symptoms and 51 patients (63.7%) with typical COVID-19 pneumonia findings on CT. The risk of PCR test results positive was 6,6 times higher in those with URTI than those with pneumonia. Those without shortness of breath were found to have a positive risk of 6,5 times higher than those with shortness of breath. Conclusion: Although PCR tests are negative in patients presenting with upper respiratory tract symptoms, if there are typical thoracic CT findings consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia, patients should be retested, and necessary measures should be taken to minimize the risk of transmission.