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VOLUME 3 , ISSUE 2 ( April-June, 2020 ) > List of Articles

REVIEW ARTICLE

Radiological Findings in COVID-19 Pneumonia

Padhmini Balasubramaniam, Lohith Sai Varma, Nisha Das, Pascal Lomoro

Citation Information : Balasubramaniam P, Varma LS, Das N, Lomoro P. Radiological Findings in COVID-19 Pneumonia. 2020; 3 (2):59-64.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10082-02257

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 09-10-2020

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).


Abstract

As the global pandemic of COVID-19 progresses, apart from clinical findings, imaging also plays an equally important role in the diagnosis and management. In imaging, much of the literature is focused on chest computed tomography (CT). However, due to infection control issues and lack of availability of CT scan in many centers, bedside chest X-ray (CXR) and lung ultrasound is also being used rampantly. In cases of high clinical suspicion of COVID-19, CXR can obviate the need for CT thorax. Additionally, in areas around the world with limited access to reliable reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction COVID-19 testing, radiological imaging becomes crucial for diagnosis and follow-up. This article describes the most common manifestations and patterns of lung abnormalities on CXR, CT thorax, and lung ultrasound in a suspected case of COVID-19 pneumonia. Early evidence suggests that initial CXR will show abnormality in most patients. The corresponding CT scan can pick up findings that may be overlooked in CXR. The progression of the disease is assessed by follow-up CT scans/X-rays. Progression and regression of disease process can be monitored by a combination of imaging modalities that facilitate clinicians to tailor management protocols.


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