Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): two case reports from a family cluster
Lei Tang1, Zheng Ye2, Zixing Huang2
1Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Radiology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Key Laboratory of Intelligent Medical Imaging Analysis and Accurate Diagnosis of Guizhou Province, International Exemplary Cooperation Base of Precision Imaging for Diagnosis and Treatment, Guiyang 550002, China.
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) show limitations in diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia. This case study highlights their deficiencies and the need for integrated diagnostic approaches.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly spread globally, necessitating effective diagnostic tools.
- Computed tomography (CT) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are key examination methods for COVID-19 pneumonia.
- The diagnostic efficacy and limitations of CT and RT-PCR remain subjects of clinical debate.
Observation:
- A family cluster case involving a father and son diagnosed with COVID-19 is presented.
- Clinical manifestations, laboratory results, and CT imaging changes were documented for both patients.
- Patient 1 (father) showed unsatisfactory RT-PCR results, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
- Patient 2 (son) had subtle symptoms, but CT imaging effectively revealed dynamic lung lesion changes.
- Both patients underwent multiple chest CT scans, raising concerns about cumulative radiation exposure.
Findings:
- RT-PCR may not be fully reliable for COVID-19 diagnosis and follow-up, risking misdiagnosis.
- CT imaging is valuable for visualizing dynamic lung changes, especially in cases with mild symptoms.
- Repeated CT examinations pose potential risks due to radiation exposure.
Implications:
- Clinical decisions should leverage the strengths of both CT and RT-PCR for COVID-19 diagnosis.
- Complementary diagnostic strategies are essential to mitigate the weaknesses of individual methods.
- Balancing diagnostic accuracy with radiation safety is crucial in managing COVID-19 patients.
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease, firstly appeared in Wuhan city and has rapidly spread to 114 countries outside China, which is receiving worldwide attention. As two important means of examination, computed tomography (CT) and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) have always been controversial in the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Here, we report a family cluster case of a father and a son diagnosed as COVID-19 at our hospital, and described the clinical manifestations, laboratory results, CT changes, diagnosis and treatment strategy of these two patients. Focus on the value of these two methods in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, as well as their respective deficiencies. For patient 1 (father), the efficacy of RT-PCR is not satisfactory either in terms of diagnosis or follow-up, which may cause misdiagnosis and delay treatment. For patient 2 (son), the clinical symptoms were not obvious, but CT imaging clearly displayed dynamic changes of the lung lesions. Meanwhile, the two patients respectively underwent five chest CT examinations during their hospitalization and discharge follow-up, showing the potential harm of radiation. Therefore, in clinical work, doctors should make full use of the advantages of CT and RT-PCR, and take other measures to make up for their disadvantages.
