Radiological role in the detection, diagnosis and monitoring for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Radiological examinations, especially computed tomography (CT), are vital tools in combating COVID-19.
• A comprehensive review of radiology's role in COVID-19 management is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the role of radiological examinations in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of COVID-19.
• To provide insights from current studies on radiological findings associated with COVID-19.
• To highlight the importance of timely radiological assessment during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature and studies on COVID-19.
• Analysis of typical radiological features observed in COVID-19 patients.
• Evaluation of the combined utility of chest CT and Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing.

Main Results:

• Typical COVID-19 radiological features include bilateral, multifocal ground glass opacities and consolidation, often in lower lobes with peripheral distribution.
• Combining chest CT with RT-PCR testing can enhance COVID-19 diagnosis in cases of strong clinical suspicion.
• Chest CT can improve diagnostic sensitivity for COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Radiology, particularly CT, plays a significant role in the detection, diagnosis, and monitoring of COVID-19.
• Minimizing radiation exposure is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.
• Integrated approaches using imaging and molecular testing improve diagnostic accuracy for COVID-19.