Research on the Relationship Between Imaging Characteristics Changes of Pulmonary Infections in Patients with Hypo-immunity and NLR, PCT Levels and Their Severity
Abstract
Objective: To explore the imaging characteristics changes of pulmonary infections in patients with hypo-immunity and analyze the correlation between NLR, PCT levels and their severity. Methods: This study included 80 patients with hypo-immunity and pulmonary infections who were diagnosed and treated at our hospital from October 2022 to October 2024. Imaging examinations were performed on the patients. Subsequently, the patients were divided into a severe group and a mild group based on the severity of their disease. Univariate analysis was conducted, and variables with statistical significance from the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis to clarify the correlation between plasma NLR, PCT levels, and their severity. Results: Imaging examinations revealed that ground-glass opacities in the lungs were centered around the hilum, with patchy or map-like distributions accompanied by reticular shadows. The affected areas and normal lung areas were interspersed, with a tendency to merge. Some patients also developed pneumothorax. Ground-glass opacities were the most characteristic manifestation, which could also present as reticular shadows, interstitial thickening, miliary shadows, multiple small nodules, intrathoracic lymphadenopathy, and a small amount of pleural effusion. In the correlation analysis, NLR and PCT were statistically significant in the univariate analysis (p < 0.05). When included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, NLR (OR = 2.846, 95% CI: 2.402–3.358) and PCT (OR = 1.958, 95% CI: 1.554–2.601) were found to be positively correlated with the severity of pulmonary infections in patients with hypo-immunity. Conclusion: The imaging manifestations of patients with impaired immune function are complex and diverse, primarily including patchy, linear, massive, cavitary, and diffuse lesions, among other forms. These manifestations not only assist physicians in identifying the presence of pulmonary infections but also provide crucial information for diagnosing the type, severity, and complications of the infections. The levels of NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio) and PCT (Procalcitonin) exhibit a positive correlation with the severity of pulmonary infections in patients with impaired immune function, warranting significant attention.
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