How Clinical and Computed Tomography Presentation of COVID-19 Patients Can be Affected by Gender: an Observational Study

Sabek, Eman A.S.; Salem, Hala T.; Youssef, Hanan M.G.

doi:10.21608/ejrsa.2022.112745.1125

How Clinical and Computed Tomography Presentation of COVID-19 Patients Can be Affected by Gender: an Observational Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Health Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt

² Gynecology and Family Medicine, Health Radiation Research Department, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/ejrsa.2022.112745.1125

Abstract

THE SEVERITY of Covid-19 disease and higher mortality rates seen in male patients reported in some literatures, increases the concern to study the effect of gender on the course of the disease. The aim of the present study is to compare between males and females at the first presentation of COVID-19 disease regarding the range of presenting symptoms, laboratory findings and risk factors with special emphasis on grade and pattern of CT and its crucial role as ionizing radiation tool at first presentation. This retrospective study includes two groups (male and female). Their chest CT scans were reviewed to evaluate the radiological characteristics and severity difference between them. The clinical presentation and the laboratory findings of all patients were also evaluated and compared in both groups trying to find possible explanations for such difference. Result showed presenting symptoms as follows, fever in 22 males (100%), 18 females (64.2%), and cough in 16 (72.6% males, 17 (60.7%) females and myalgia in 14 (63.6%) males 19 (67.9%) females. At least one comorbid condition (DM, Hypertension, Chemotherapy, Smoking, Pregnancy) was found in 32 (64 %), there was not any significant difference regarding the laboratory findings, however there was a significant difference between the two groups as regards smoking. About 32% of male patients have (moderate + severe) CT lung involvement compared to about 10% in females. Conclusion: Covid-19 CT-scan shows non-significant milder form of the female patients at the first presentation, this may be either due to early presentation finding that have multiple social aspects or due to milder form of disease due to genetic factor. Further studies, on a larger number of patients, are needed.

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