Prevalence of Respiratory Disease Based on High Resolution Computed Tomography Chest among High Altitude Residents

High-resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) closely reflects changes in lung structure and suited to evaluate the pulmonary parenchyma and airways and has superior sensitivity over conventional chest radiography in a wide range of lung diseases. Paudel et al study reveals that 14.8% respiratory infection was prevalent causing disease burden in Jumla. This study aims to assess the prevalence and type of lung patterns detectable at highresolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest in a primary care population and to diagnose the types of diseases. Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted in Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla over the period of July 2019 to September 2020. Data was interpreted in frequency, percentage and standard deviation. HRCT Scan was carried out with CT machine using 120kV, 200mA with scan time per slice as 1-2 sec with slice thickness 1 mm, at full inspiration with patient in supine position. The HRCT patterns of 40 patients obtained at the primary visit for cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and fever were evaluated. Results: A total of 40 patients were enrolled in this study with mean age ±SD (min-max) 52.6 ± 17.7 (24-85) among which 50% were females and 50% males. HRCT chest findings which were visualized in console were categorized, among which 50% patients had fibrosis in lung affecting mostly Upper lobe, 30% centrilobular nodules, 22.5% had hyperinflation and many more. The most common diagnosis according to the HRCT findings was normal (28 %), Post TB Fibrosis (22%) and Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, 20%). These findings helped in the diagnosis and management of the patients who were previously labelled as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Conclusion: Imaging plays an integral role in the diagnosis and management of suspected pulmonary infections and may reveal useful signs on CT scan. The respiratory infection in a primary care population shows patterns of COPD reflected in HRCT as centrilobular nodules (32.5%), hyperinflation (22.5%), bullae etc. similarly complication of PTB as fibrosis was noted in 50%, followed by bronchiectasis (17.5%) were commonly prevalent in our part.