High-Resolution CT Chest Findings in Suspected COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients With Negative Real-Time Polymerase Chain...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the standard diagnostic test for COVID-19.
• False-negative RT-PCR results can occur, leading to diagnostic challenges.
• High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest is a valuable imaging tool for evaluating suspected pneumonia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest findings in patients with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 and negative RT-PCR results.
• To determine the prevalence and distribution of HRCT manifestations consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 48 patients with suspected COVID-19 and negative RT-PCR.
• Patients presented with specific signs and symptoms or a history of contact with a known COVID-19 case.
• All patients underwent non-contrast HRCT chest scans, which were interpreted by an experienced radiologist.

Main Results:

• Ground-glass opacities, a hallmark of COVID-19 pneumonia, were observed in 79.2% of patients.
• Among those with ground-glass opacities, the crazy-paving pattern was present in 57.89%, and consolidation in 23.68%.
• These opacities were predominantly multifocal, bilateral, peripheral, and dorsally located, with other findings including atelectasis and prominent bronchovascular markings.

Conclusions:

• The majority of clinically suspected COVID-19 cases exhibit hallmark HRCT chest findings consistent with coronavirus disease, even with negative RT-PCR results.
• HRCT imaging plays a significant role in diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia when RT-PCR testing is inconclusive.
• Radiological findings can aid in the timely diagnosis and management of COVID-19, especially in cases with discordant molecular test results.