Findings of Computed Tomogheraphy Scan Imaging in Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia

The aim of this study was to describe different computed tomography (CT) scan findings in patient with COVID-19 pneumonia.

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between February to July 2020 in two tertiary hospitals in Isfahan City, Iran. Adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 disease, who had abnormal chest CT scan, enrolled in this study. Two expert radiologists evaluated CT features and distribution of the lesions, and also scored the extent of lung involvement. Finally, various imaging features were reported in frequency distribution tables.

A total of 300 patients, 178 men and 122 women with mean age of 57.5± 15.44 years (range: 20-91 years), with COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated. The most common pattern of parenchymal involvement was the mixed ground-glass opacity (GGO) and consolidation (52.6%), with subpleural (49.4%) distribution without cranio-cuadal predominance (52%). Other findings were vessel-related nodule (20%), ground-glass halo (19.3%), bronchial wall thickening (5.3%), vascular enlargement (4.7%), centrilobular nodule (3.7%), bronchiectasis (1.7%), air bronchogram (5%), air bubble sign (2%), cavity (0.3%), pleural effusion (6%), pericardial effusion (0.3%), and lymphadenopathy (0.3%), respectively.

CT examination of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia showed diverse pattern of involvement; so, in addition to focusing on typical and common findings, familiarity with uncommon and rare findings is essential for rapid and accurate decision making.