Spectrum of Respiratory Involvement in COVID 19 Era; An Overview

Abstract

Introduction: COVID 19 is novel coronavirus which first struck the world 5 months ago and became
pandemic in such a short time. China suffered first and then this virus spread to more than 180 countries.
Primary organ involved is lungs and the commonest cause of fatality is respiratory failure1. Although, its
new virus, related to two earlier deadly viruses e.g. SARS and MERS but has already caused tremendous
morbidity and mortality in nations heavily affected by it. This short review highlights about lung involvement
due to this virus and to make our healthcare professionals aware about what to expect by learning from the
experience of the countries where it has already affected thousands of civilians.
Methodology: This review article was written with systematic literature review with the help of data search
machine like Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and google scholar. In this article observational study wand
case reports were included. Most of the data were taken from China, Italy and Spain.
Review Findings: COAVID 19 affects lung parenchyma in moderate to severe disease causing pneumonia
which starts as unilateral lower lobe, commonly on right side, peripheral ground glass infiltrates and rapidly
spreads to involve both lungs with bilateral, multifocal consolidations2. Pleural effusion and pericardial
involvement may occur. In severe cases the disease progresses to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
accounting for >90% of mortality. Pathology of lungs showed diffuse alveolar damage with organization
and fibrosis as disease progresses.
Conclusions: COVID 19 a novel coronavirus which is presently a pandemic has affected the world in manner
reminiscence of 1918 Spanish flu. Lung involvement as community acquired pneumonia is determinant of
mortality, which spreads exponentially to develop sever respiratory failure