[18F]FDG-PET/CT in different COVID-19 phases.

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• COVID-19 presents diverse clinical and radiological manifestations.
• Accurate staging of COVID-19 is crucial for effective patient management.
• Hybrid imaging techniques offer comprehensive insights into disease processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and describe distinct morphometabolic patterns of COVID-19 using PET/CT.
• To correlate these patterns with the evolutionary phases of the disease.
• To provide clinicians with imaging-based guidance for treatment and isolation protocols.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) as a hybrid imaging modality.
• Analyzed imaging data to identify specific morphological and metabolic features.
• Classified observed patterns according to disease progression stages.

Main Results:

• Three distinct morphometabolic patterns were identified through PET/CT imaging.
• These patterns correspond to different evolutionary phases of COVID-19 infection.
• The patterns reflect changes in both tissue structure and metabolic activity.

Conclusions:

• PET/CT imaging can effectively characterize the evolving nature of COVID-19.
• Identified morphometabolic patterns offer a visual tool for disease staging.
• This imaging approach supports informed clinical decision-making regarding patient care and public health measures.