Variable computed tomography appearances of COVID-19

• Main Authors: Lim, Zhan Ye, Khoo, Hau Wei, Hui, Terrence Chi Hong, Kok, Shawn Shi Xian, Kwan, Kenneth Eng Ling, Young, Barnaby Edward, Tan, Cher Heng, Kaw, Gregory Jon Leng
• Other Authors: Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: Science::Medicine; Computed Tomography; Coronavirus Disease
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/145196
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is typically diagnosed by specific assays that detect viral nucleic acid from the upper respiratory tract; however, this may miss infections involving only the lower airways. Computed tomography (CT) has been described as a diagnostic modality in the COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment plan. We present a case series with virologically confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. Variable CT features were observed: consolidation with ground-glass opacities, ground-glass opacities with subpleural reticular bands, and an anterior-posterior gradient of lung abnormalities resembling that of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Evolution of CT findings was observed in one patient, where there was interval resolution of bilateral lung consolidation with development of bronchiolectasis and subpleural fibrotic bands. While sensitive for detecting lung parenchymal abnormalities in COVID-19 pneumonia, the use of CT for initial diagnosis is discouraged and should be reserved for specific clinical indications. Interpretation of chest CT findings should be correlated with duration of symptoms to better determine the disease stage and aid in patient management.