Rates of Cranial Computed Tomography before and during the COVID-19 Restrictions in Turkey

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we aimed to compare the admission and examination data of patients who presented to our emergency department with neurological symptoms in April 2019 (before) and April 2020 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). Methods: The study included patients who underwent cranial computed tomography (CT), including patients who additionally underwent CT angiography for suspected stroke. Thus, the study sample consisted of a total of 960 patients, of whom 676 (Group) presented before the COVID-19 pandemic and 284 (Group II) during the course of the pandemic. The data were reviewed retrospectively. Results: The rates of the indications for cranial CT did not statistically significantly (p=0.143) differ between Group I and II: suspected stroke, 76.2% vs. 72.9%; trauma, 22.5% vs. 23.6%; and tumors 1.3% vs. 3.5%, respectively. The rate of finding vessel obstruction on CT angiography was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Group II (25% vs. 65%). The rate of confirmed cases of stroke was significantly (p<0.001) higher in Group II (6.7% vs. 18.7%). Also, the rates of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke were both significantly higher in Group II (p<0.001 and p=0.043, respectively). Conclusion: While measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 infection have led to a decrease in hospital admissions, a conspicuous increase was observed in the rate of patients with stroke during the same period of time