A Multicenter Survey on the Trend of Chest CT Scan Utilization: Tracing the First Footsteps of COVID-19 in Iran

Message:
Article Type:
Research/Original Article (دارای رتبه معتبر)
Abstract:
Background

Chest computed tomography (CT) scan has been used widely to diagnose COVID-19 in Iran.

Objectives

To trace the footsteps of COVID-19 in Iran by exploring the trend in using chest CT scans and its economic impact on radiology departments.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the number of imaging examinations from 33 tertiary radiology departments in 9 large cities of Iran was collected from September 23, 2019 to March 20, 2020 (Months 1 to 6) and the corresponding months in 2018–2019.

Results

A 50.2% increase was noted in the chest CT scan utilization in 2019–2020 compared to 2018–2019. This increase was +15%, +15%, +27%, +2%, +1% in Months 1–5 of 2019–2020, respectively. In Month 6 of 2019–2020, a 251% increase in the acquisition of chest CT scans was observed compared to the Month 6 of 2018–2019. Following negative balance of revenue from Month 1 to 5 with respect to the inflation rate, the total income in Month 6 was further 1.5% less than the same Month in 2018–19.

Conclusion

The observed peak in chest CT utilization in Month 3 prior to the surge in Month 6 could be explained by the seasonal influenza. However, unawareness about an emerging viral disease, i.e. COVID-19, might have underutilized chest CT in Months 4 and 5 before the official announcement in Month 6. The unbalanced increase in the workload of radiology departments in the shortage of cardiothoracic radiologists with the simultaneous decrease in income initiated a vicious cycle that worsened the economic repercussions of the pandemic.

Language:
English
Published:
Archives of Iranian Medicine, Volume:23 Issue: 11, Nov 2020
Pages:
787 to 793
https://www.magiran.com/p2196018  
سامانه نویسندگان
  • Sanei Taheri، Morteza
    Corresponding Author (23)
    Sanei Taheri, Morteza
    Professor Radiology, Shahid Beheshti University Of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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