Abstract

Background: This study aims to reveal the relationship between lung involvement and visceral adipose tissue changes between chest-computed tomography (CT) scans taken in short intervals in COVID-19 patients.

Methods: The retrospective study included 52 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. All patients had two chest CT exams. Lung involvement measurements were calculated by using an artificial intelligence tool. Visceral and subcutaneous fat tissue was measured at the level of the first lumbar vertebra on chest CT. Additionally, demographic and laboratory data were collected.

Results: 52 patients were included (36.5% female, mean age 50). Visceral fat area and visceral fat thickness changes were significantly positive predictors of total lung involvement changes (p=0.033, p=0.00024). Subcutaneous fat area and subcutaneous fat thickness changes were not associated with lung involvement change (p>0.05). CRP, IL-6, d-dimer, and ferritin levels were higher in patients who need intensive care units.

Conclusion: Visceral adipose tissue changes may indicate that it can have a role as a reservoir of virus involvement.

Keywords: COVID-19, Visceral fat thickness, Visceral fat area, Lung involvement, CT, Visceral adipose.