Chest CT practice and protocols for COVID-19 from radiation dose management perspective

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread illness and death globally.
• Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the primary diagnostic method for COVID-19.
• Chest CT scans are frequently utilized for COVID-19 diagnosis, monitoring, and management due to various factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical aspects of using chest CT in COVID-19 patients.
• To optimize CT scan protocols for radiation protection and diagnostic yield.
• To provide guidance on the justification and application of CT imaging in the context of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Review of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) webinar discussions on CT practice for COVID-19.
• Analysis of survey data from international participants on CT protocols.
• Synthesis of information on CT utilization, justification, and protocol optimization for COVID-19.

Main Results:

• Chest CT offers significant diagnostic value for moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
• Non-contrast, low-dose CT protocols are recommended for most COVID-19 pneumonia cases when indicated.
• CT findings for COVID-19 pneumonia are sensitive but not specific, overlapping with other viral infections.

Conclusions:

• Chest CT is an important tool in managing COVID-19, particularly for moderate to severe cases.
• Optimized, low-dose CT protocols are essential for balancing diagnostic information and radiation safety.
• The non-specific nature of CT findings necessitates careful interpretation in conjunction with clinical and laboratory data.