A Review of COVID-19: Data Obtained from Chest CT Imaging and RT-PCR

Abstract

Context: This review aimed to investigate the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Evidence Acquisition: Bilateral lung involvement (70%), peripheral distribution (67.5%), multifocal involvement (67.3%) and ground glass opacity (66.1%) were observed in most infected patients. Results: Evaluation of the number of lobes involved in infected patients showed no abnormalities in 7.2% (85/1177) of the patients. Regarding the performance of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and chest CT scan, the sensitivity of RT-PCR and chest CT imaging was estimated at 70% (925/1311) and 89% (6605/7396) upon admission, respectively; nevertheless, the sensitivity of CT imaging increased as the time from the symptom onset increased. The CT image acquisition parameters affecting image quality and patient dose were also discussed. Studies suggested that these factors should be adjusted according to the disease stage. Based on our findings, sensitivity was adequately high eight days after the onset of symptoms. Conclusion: Therefore, there is no need for high-resolution chest CT scan after this interval. Using ImpactDose software, the mean effective doses were 4.38 and 5.71 mSv in male and female groups, respectively. The risk of cancer was 36% higher in females than males, as shown by PCXMC program.