Diagnosis Of COVID-19 Pneumonia Research Articles

Incidental diagnosis of Covid-19 pneumonia on chest computed tomography

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and imaging characteristics of incidentally diagnosed COVID-19 pneumonia on computed tomography (CT). Materials and methodsThis retrospective study was conducted between March 20th and March 31st, 2020 at Cochin hospital, Paris France. Thoracic CT examinations of all patients referred for another reason than a suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection were reviewed. CT images were analyzed by a chest radiologist to confirm the presence of findings consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia and quantify disease extent. Clinical and biological data (C-reactive protein serum level [CRP] and white blood cell count) of patients with CT findings suggestive for COVID-19 pneumonia were retrieved from the electronic medical chart. ResultsDuring the study period, among 205 diagnostic CT examinations, six examinations (6/205, 3%) in 6 different patients (4 men, 2 women; median age, 57 years) revealed images highly suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia. The final diagnosis was confirmed by RT-PCR. Three inpatients were suspected of extra thoracic infection whereas three outpatients were either fully asymptomatic or presented with fatigue only. All had increased CRP serum level and lymphopenia. Disease extent on CT was mild to moderate in 5/6 patients (83%) and severe in 1/6 patient (17%). ConclusionCumulative incidence of fortuitous diagnosis if COVID-19 pneumonia did not exceed 3% during the highest pandemic phase and was predominantly associated with limited lung involvement.

Consensus Guidelines of Russian Society of Radiology (RSR) and Russian Association of Specialists in Ultrasound Diagnostics in Medicine (RASUDM) «Role of Imaging (X-ray, CT and US) in Diagnosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia» (version 2)

The paper presents Consensus Guidelines of Russian Society of Radiology (RSR) and Russian Association of Specialists in Ultrasound Diagnostics in Medicine (RASUDM) «Role of imaging (X-ray, CT and US) in diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia» (version 2) of the Russian Society of Radiology and the Russian Association of Specialists in Ultrasound Diagnostics in Medicine.The guidelines list radiological techniques for lung diseases, which are used in coronavirus COVID-19 infection (chest X-ray, lung computed tomography (CT), and lung ultrasound (US), diagnostic algorithm, and follow-up study. The guidelines propose the models of the work of radiological rooms/departments of a healthcare facility, the procedure for conducting an examination, and recommendations for providing a description and assessing changes in the lung and chest in existing/suspected COVID-19-related pneumonia and present the schemes of X-ray and CT protocols at the initial examination and assessment of the changes.Chest X-ray has a low sensitivity for detecting initial changes in the first days of the disease and is not recommended for early diagnosis. Mobile radiography is an important tool for diagnosis of lung pathology in the intensive care units.CT is the most sensitive technique in detecting lung changes characteristic of COVID-19-related pneumonia. It is advisable to use CT for the initial evaluation of thoracic organs in patients with severe and progressive forms of the disease, as well as for the differential diagnosis and follow up.Lung US in patients with suspected/known COVID-19-related pneumonia is an additional imaging method that does not replace or exclude X-ray and CT. If the correct procedure is followed, correct indications are selected, and trained medical personnel is available, this study is highly sensitive in detecting interstitial changes and consolidations in lung tissue, but only in their subpleural location. The US data do not always allow definite determination of the reasons for the occurrence and/or actual extent of lung tissue changes.Standard reporting guidelines (CT, X-ray) about the possibility of COVID-19 pneumonia and its severity should be used.The follow up using CT, X-ray, or US depends on the clinical indications that necessitate dynamic assessment. The recommended frequency of repeat CT and X-ray in patients having no substantial changes in their clinical condition outside the intensive care units is not more than once every 5-7 days. An objective assessment of the time course of changes is possible only when comparing the data of the same type of study.

Incidence of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and elevated D-dimer levels

AimAn increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) has been reported. Whether COVID-19 increases the risk of VTE in non-ICU wards remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the burden of asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in COVID-19 patients with elevated D-dimer levels. MethodIn this prospective study consecutive patients hospitalized in non-intensive care units with diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia and D-dimer > 1000 ng/ml were screened for asymptomatic DVT with complete compression doppler ultrasound (CCUS). The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee. ResultsThe study comprised 156 patients (65.4% male). All but three patients received standard doses of thromboprophylaxis. Median days of hospitalization until CCUS was 9 (IQR 5–17). CCUS was positive for DVT in 23 patients (14.7%), of whom only one was proximal DVT. Seven patients (4.5%) had bilateral distal DVT. Patients with DVT had higher median D-dimer levels: 4527 (IQR 1925-9144) ng/ml vs 2050 (IQR 1428-3235) ng/ml; p < 0.001. D-dimer levels > 1570 ng/ml were associated with asymptomatic DVT (OR 9.1; CI 95% 1.1–70.1). D-dimer showed an acceptable discriminative capacity (area under the ROC curve 0.72, 95% CI 0.61–0.84). ConclusionIn patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia and elevated D-dimer levels, the incidence of asymptomatic DVT is similar to that described in other series. Higher cut-off levels for D-dimer might be necessary for the diagnosis of DVT in COVID-19 patients.

Clinically Applicable AI System for Accurate Diagnosis, Quantitative Measurements, and Prognosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia Using Computed Tomography

Many COVID-19 patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus develop pneumonia (called novel coronavirus pneumonia, NCP) and rapidly progress to respiratory failure. However, rapid diagnosis and identification of high-risk patients for early intervention are challenging. Using a large computed tomography (CT) database from 3,777 patients, we developed an AI system that can diagnose NCP and differentiate it from other common pneumonia and normal controls. The AI system can assist radiologists and physicians in performing a quick diagnosis especially when the health system is overloaded. Significantly, our AI system identified important clinical markers that correlated with the NCP lesion properties. Together with the clinical data, our AI system was able to provide accurate clinical prognosis that can aid clinicians to consider appropriate early clinical management and allocate resources appropriately. We have made this AI system available globally to assist the clinicians to combat COVID-19.

Application of pulmonary ultrasound in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia in neonates

Objective: To investigate the application of pulmonary ultrasound in the diagnosis of neonatal COVID-19. Methods: In this retrospective study, the clinical data of 5 infants, who were admitted to the Department of Neonatology in Wuhan Children's Hospital from 31(st) January to 25(th) February 2020, were collected. Bedsides pulmondary ultrasound was conducted on admission, during the hospitalization, and before discharge, the result were compared with the chest X-ray or CT done at the same time. Results: Among the 5 cases who aged 1-18 days, 3 were male. The main clinical manifestations were respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. The pulmonary ultrasonography on admission showed abnormal pleural line and pulmonary edema of different severity in all 5 cases, presented as increase and fusion of B-line, and pulmonary interstitial syndrome; among them, one case also had a small-range consolidation. The chest CT on admission showed no obvious parenchymal infiltration in 2 cases, small strip or patchy high-density shadow in 2 cases, and ground glass change in one case. The re-examination of ultrosound during the hospitalization and at discharge showed improvement in all cases and were consistent with the chest X-ray taken at the same time. Conclusions: The main changes on the pulmonary ultrasonography in neonates with COVID-19 pneumonia are increase and fusion of B-line, abnormal pleural line, and alveolar interstitial syndrome, and may coexist with small range of pulmonary consolidation. The sensitivity of pulmonary ultrasound is higher than that of chest X-ray and CT in the diagnosis of pulmonary edema, and could be used in monitoring and evaluation of the disease.

Acute limb ischemia in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to determine the incidence, characteristics, and clinical outcomes of patients with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who had presented with and been treated for acute limb ischemia (ALI) during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. MethodsWe performed a single-center, observational cohort study. The data from all patients who had tested positive for COVID-19 and had presented with ALI requiring urgent operative treatment were collected in a prospectively maintained database. For the present series, successful revascularization of the treated arterial segment was defined as the absence of early (<30 days) re-occlusion or major amputation or death within 24 hours. The primary outcomes were successful revascularization, early (≤30 days) and late (≥30 days) survival, postoperative (≤30 days) complications, and limb salvage. ResultsWe evaluated the data from 20 patients with ALI who were positive for COVID-19. For the period from January to March, the incidence rate of patients presenting with ALI in 2020 was significantly greater than that for the same months in 2019 (23 of 141 [16.3%] vs 3 of 163 [1.8%]; P < .001)]. Of the 20 included patients, 18 were men (90%) and two were women (10%). Their mean age was 75 ± 9 years (range, 62-95 years). All 20 patients already had a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Operative treatment was performed in 17 patients (85%). Revascularization was successful in 12 of the 17 (70.6%). Although successful revascularization was not significantly associated with the postoperative use of intravenous heparin (64.7% vs 83.3%; P = .622), no patient who had received intravenous heparin required reintervention. Of the 20 patients, eight (40%) had died in the hospital. The patients who had died were significantly older (81 ± 10 years vs 71 ± 5 years; P = .008). The use of continuous postoperative systemic heparin infusion was significantly associated with survival (0% vs 57.1%; P = .042). ConclusionsIn our preliminary experience, the incidence of ALI has significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Italian Lombardy region. Successful revascularization was lower than expected, which we believed was due to a virus-related hypercoagulable state. The use of prolonged systemic heparin might improve surgical treatment efficacy, limb salvage, and overall survival.

COVID-19 pneumonia: A review of typical CT findings and differential diagnosis

The standard of reference for confirming COVID-19 relies on microbiological tests such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or sequencing. However, these tests might not be available in an emergency setting. Computed tomography (CT) can be used as an important complement for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia in the current epidemic context. In this review, we present the typical CT features of COVID-19 pneumonia and discuss the main differential diagnosis.

Lung Ultrasound in Corona Pandemics: How Can Lung US Assist Early Diagnosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia? An Overview

Up-to-date review of the role of lung ultrasound (US) in early diagnosis of COVID-19 disease associated pneumonia, based on the recent publications at the 2019/2020 pandemic of nCoV-19. Further, highlighting the advantages of lung US over the other imaging modalities as regard early diagnosis, cost and potency of its use as a screening tool in pandemics. The COVID-19 tends to be bilateral with patchy pattern. More frequent in the posterior and inferior fields of the lung. This infiltration is usually irregular and extends to the pleural line. Diffuse B-lines are noticed with air bronchogram sign. Sometimes localized pleural thickening is seen or localized pleural effusion. Occasionally, impaired blood flow in the consolidation patch was detected.In novel COVID-19 era lung US is a bedside, practical, safe and useful emergency tool for diagnosis. It is operator dependent and this drawback can be avoided by providing proper training.Keyword: Lung ultrasonography, COVID-19 Pneumonia and Corona virus

A Response to Massimo Bonucci’s Editorial: COVID-19 Outbreak: How to Use Current Knowledge to Better Treat Positive Patients

A Response to Massimo Bonucci’s Editorial: COVID-19 Outbreak: How to Use Current Knowledge to Better Treat Positive Patients

Analysis of typical severe cases of COVID-19, diagnosis and treatment

The purpose of this study is to improve the cure rate of severe cases in COVID-19 patients, reduce the death rate, and provide theoretical basis and clinical practice. We collected typical COVID-19 patients with severe cases, and systematically analyzed the clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics and diagnosis and treatment technology of severe cases. We selected typical patients with severe pneumonia. Referring to the diagnosis and treatment plan of COVID-19 pneumonia issued by the National Health Commission of China, we proposed a set of methods for the diagnosis and treatment of severe COVID-19 pneumonia, which has a significant effect on reducing the death rate of severe cases and increase the cure rate.

Association between Acute Pancreatitis and COVID-19: Could Pancreatitis Be the Missing Piece of the Puzzle About Increased Mortality Rates?

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 commenced in Wuhan China in 2019 and soon spread worldwide. It is a viral disease that involves many organs and progresses with high mortality. SARS-CoV-2 enters the cell by binding to the ACE II receptor and begins viral replication. A serious immune response occurs where it settles leading to to tissue damage. The effects and clinical findings of SARS-CoV-2 on the liver, kidney, heart, gastrointestinal (GI) system and especially lungs have been widely discussed. However, the effects on the pancreas—another organ that also expresses ACE II—have not been studied. Methods: This work prospectively evaluated data from 316 patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. The patients were categorized into three according to the severity of pneumonia (mild, severe, critical). Demographic data, rate of pancreatitis, biochemical parameters, and radiological images from each group were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups and outcomes were compared: COVID-19 patients with acute pancreatitis (Group P) and without acute pancreatitis (Group C). Findings: 12·6% of the patients had acute pancreatitis. While pancreatitis was not seen in patients on mild status, the rate of pancreatitis was 32·5% in critical patients. Hospitalization and mortality rates were higher in patients with COVID-19 accompanied by acute pancreatitis (p = 0·0038 and p <0·0001, respectively). Interpretation: Acute pancreatitis alone is a clinical condition that can lead to mortality and may be one of the reasons for the exaggerated immune response developing in the progression of COVID-19. In this study, the effects of pancreatic damage related to acute pancreatitis were investigated in terms of morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Funding Statement: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-forprofit sectors. Declaration of Interests: All other authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was carried out in accordance with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its recent amendments. Consents were obtained from conscious patients and from first degree relatives in unconscious patients. Permission was obtained from the local ethics committee (Ref. Nr:2020/148) and the Ministry of Health Scientific Research Institution (Ref. Nr:2020-05-04T_11_33_11).

The relationship between diagnostic value of chest computed tomography imaging and symptom duration in COVID infection.

OBJECTIVES:Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronovirus-2 is a global public health problem, in which early diagnosis is required to prevent the spread of infection. In this study, we aimed to reveal the diagnostic value of chest computed tomography (CT) imaging with respect to symptom duration.METHODS:This retrospective study involved patients from five centers, who were admitted with typical COVID-19 symptoms and found to be positive for COVID-19 real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rtRT-PCR) test.RESULTS:One hundred and five patients with positive COVID-19 rtRT-PCR test were involved in the study. Sixty percent of these patients had chest CT imaging findings consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia. The most common chest CT finding was bilateral and subpleural ground-glass opacity in middle-lower lobes of the lungs. Chest CT findings were detected in 85.1% of the patients with a symptom duration of more than 2 days. In receiver operating characteristic analysis of this parameter, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.869, while sensitivity and specificity were 90.5% and 76.2%, respectively. It was notable that chest CT findings were 7.17 times more common among the patients aged 60 years and older, with AUC, specificity, and positive predictive value of 0.768, 88.1%, and 84.8%, respectively.CONCLUSION:Chest CT imaging is a quite valuable tool in patients with longer than 2 days' duration of symptoms, in whom clinical and epidemiological data support the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. We suggest that the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia should be made with chest CT imaging when rtRT-PCR test cannot be performed or gives a negative result, which is important for public health and to prevent the spread of infection.

Diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and intervention of Chinese patent medicine

From the end of December 2019 to today, there has been a global outbreak of COVID-19 pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. Chinese doctors, hospitals and scholars have made a lot of research and Practice on the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia. The National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China has taken a series of effective diagnosis and treatment measures. Seven COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis and treatment programs were released from January 16, 2020 to March 3, 2020, which played a key role in strengthening early detection, early treatment, improving the ability of treatment, reducing the spread of disease, improving the cure rate and reducing the mortality. This study vertically interprets and analyzes the research progress of COVID-19 pneumonia among the trial versions, and discusses the intervention of Chinese traditional medicine, so as to provide a scientific understanding for the in-depth understanding of the evolution of each diagnosis and treatment program version, the formulation of treatment plan and the intervention of Chinese patent medicine.

Radiology of COVID-19 - Imaging the pulmonary damage.

A large part of the world is presently in the grip of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus), declared a pandemic in March 2020. This document is a brief commentary of the imaging modalities used in the screening, diagnosis and management of COVID-19 pneumonia. Chest x-rays, especially portable, still form a part of majority of official guidelines, with reports of the suggestive radiologic features. The potential of CT scan and ultrasound is also realised, with earlier detection rate. Typical radiologic findings of bilateral, asymmetrical, crazy-paved ground glass opacification, consolidation, reverse halo sign, opacities, progressing to fibrosis are well described for both the X-ray and CT scan. Atypical findings include airway changes, pleural effusion, pulmonary nodules and acute pulmonary embolism. Absence of lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion and pneumothorax is notable. The role of portable lung ultrasound, reported to be useful in emergency, is yet to be established in the guidelines. Disinfection of the equipment is a major concern. Governmental guidelines still advocate X-ray despite professional societies increasingly recommending CT scan.

Outcome of oncological patients admitted with COVID-19: experience of a hospital center in northern Italy.

Background:Recent literature regarding the outcome of cancer patients infected with COVID-19 are not encouraging. Nevertheless, current evidence on the risk and benefits of continuing oncological treatment of cancer patients during the pandemic remains insufficient. We provide our experience in a center with high access for patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia in Lombardy, Italy. We conducted a retrospective study using a prospectively maintained database of patients admitted to our hospital between 25 February 2020 and 9 April 2020 with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia.Results:A total of 53 patients with a history or current oncological disease were included in this study. Sixteen oncological patients (30.2%) died during hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that age (Odds ratio [OR]: 1.17, p = 0.009), diabetes (OR: 15.05, p = 0.028) and active oncological disease (OR 13.60, p = 0.015) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. The mortality rate of the total number of cancer patients is about twice as high as that of non-oncological patients admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of COVID-19.Conclusion:The presence of active oncological disease is independently related to mortality as well as age and diabetes. The majority of patients who died were frail. Careful evaluation of the risks and benefits of treatment in frail patients is needed, considering that difficult access to intensive care may have affected the mortality rate.