Evaluation of the Effect of COVID-19 on Pulmonary Artery and Aortic Diameter and the Relationship Between These Vessels and Lung Volume

Abstract

Aim: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has primarily affected the respiratory system since its first emergence in China. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the possible effects of this disease on pulmonary vessels and aortic diameter and the relationship between these vessels and lung volumes as it affects lung capacity. Materials and Methods: In our study, the diameter of the pulmonary trunk (PT) at its origin and at the point where it divides into two, the diameters of the right and left pulmonary arteries, the diameters of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, and lung volumes were evaluated. Computed tomography (CT) images of 30 patients (18 men, 12 women) were obtained retrospectively, and the first measurement was performed on thorax CT images at Stage 1 (days 0-4) and the second measurement was performed on thorax CT images at Stage 6 (>day 28). Results: We found a statistically significant difference in pulmonary artery and aortic diameters between Stage 1 and Stage 6 images due to the progression of COVID-19 disease (p<0.05). The difference between Stages 1 and 6 was higher in older individuals. A statistically significant difference was found between lung volumes and the PT. Conclusion: We found that COVID-19 disease caused an increase in the pulmonary artery and aortic diameter due to its poor prognosis, and there was a significant relationship between lung volume and pulmonary vessels.