Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 25, 2025
Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia
Published on: December 19, 2020
Abdominal imaging in COVID-19
Daniel Vasile Balaban1, Oana Madalina Baston2, Mariana Jinga3
1Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy; Dr. Carol Davila Central Military Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest 020021, Romania. vbalaban@yahoo.com.
Insights
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can affect the digestive system, leading to various abdominal imaging findings. This review summarizes current data on abdominal imaging in COVID-19 patients, highlighting hepato-biliary, pancreatic, and bowel pathologies.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) initially presented as a respiratory illness but is now understood to have a broad clinical spectrum.
- Digestive system involvement is increasingly recognized in COVID-19 patients.
- Limited research exists on abdominal imaging findings in COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize current data on abdominal imaging techniques in COVID-19.
- To discuss underlying mechanisms, indications, and imaging findings of COVID-19 related abdominal pathologies.
- To provide practice points for clinicians in recognizing digestive injuries caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of published literature on abdominal imaging in COVID-19 patients.
- Analysis of clinical and laboratory data alongside imaging findings.
- Synthesis of information regarding hepato-biliary, pancreatic, and bowel involvement.
Main Results:
- A wide spectrum of abdominal imaging findings associated with COVID-19 has been reported.
- Findings include pathologies affecting the liver, biliary system, pancreas, and bowel.
- Current recommendations for abdominal imaging in COVID-19 are based on limited evidence.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 can manifest with diverse abdominal imaging abnormalities.
- Further research is needed to establish comprehensive guidelines for abdominal imaging in COVID-19.
- Recognizing these digestive-related injuries is crucial for patient management.
Abstract:
Initially thought of as a respiratory infection, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is now recognized as a complex disease with a wide clinical spectrum, including digestive involvement. While several studies have evaluated chest imaging findings in COVID-19, few papers have looked at the abdominal imaging features of these patients. Liver, biliary, pancreas and bowel involvement have been reported in COVID-19 infected patients. In this review, we aim to summarize currently available data related to abdominal imaging techniques in COVID-19, in accordance with relevant clinical and laboratory workup of these patients. Underlying mechanisms, indications and imaging findings related to COVID-19 are discussed based on published data. Also, practice points for clinicians are highlighted in order to adequately recognize digestive-related injuries of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. While there's been a steady accumulation of data with respect to abdominal imaging findings in COVID-19, currently available recommendations are based on limited research. There is a wide spectrum of abdominal imaging findings in COVID-19, which includes hepato-biliary, pancreatic and luminal pathology.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
01:26Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and...
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:29Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
01:25Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....