Current Imaging Trends in COVID-19 Pneumonia

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic poses a global health threat.
• Nepal faces challenges in managing the disease.
• Medical faculties require preparedness strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the role of chest imaging in COVID-19 diagnosis and management in Nepal.
• To provide guidelines on chest X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) scan indications and findings.
• To highlight differential diagnoses for pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Review of available research on COVID-19 imaging.
• Analysis of Nepal Radiologists' Association guidelines.
• Focus on chest X-ray and CT scan findings and indications.

Main Results:

• Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) remains the gold standard for diagnosis.
• Chest CT is generally not recommended for initial screening.
• Guidelines address specific imaging findings and differentials.

Conclusions:

• Imaging plays a crucial role in COVID-19 patient management.
• Adherence to safety protocols during imaging is essential.
• Standardized guidelines aid in effective healthcare response.