The use of chest computed tomography (CT) has been indicated as an important tool for the detection and management of COVID-19. The use of chest CT has been recommended as an effective form of initial screening and monitoring of the disease progression, due to the primary involvement of the respiratory system. Chest CT is a routine imaging tool for the diagnosis of pneumonia and is a simple test that is widely available and provides a fast diagnosis. The goal of this study is to evaluate this potential by reviewing the role of chest CT thus far in the detection and management of COVID-19.
Numerous studies reviewed in this paper largely concur in their findings that the early hallmarks of COVID-19 infection are ground-glass opacities (GGOs), often with a bilateral and peripheral lung distribution. In addition, most studies demonstrated similar CT findings related to the progression of the disease, starting with GGOs in early disease, followed by the development of crazy paving in middle stages and finally increasing consolidation in the later stages of the disease. Studies have reported a low rate of misdiagnosis by chest CT, as well as a high rate of misdiagnosis by the rRT-PCR tests. Specifically, chest CT provides more accurate results in the early stages of COVID-19, when it is critical to begin treatment as well as isolate the patient to avoid the spread of the virus. While rRT-PCR will probably remain the definitive final test for COVID-19, until it is more readily available and can consistently provide higher sensitivity, the use of chest CT for early-stage detection has proven valuable in avoiding misdiagnosis as well as monitoring the progression of the disease. With the understanding of the role of chest CT, researchers are beginning to apply deep learning and other algorithms to differentiate between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 CT scans, to determine the severity of the disease to guide the course of treatment, and investigate numerous additional COVID-19 applications.
Most studies demonstrated similar CT findings related to the progression of the disease, starting with GGOs in early disease, followed by the development of crazy paving in middle stages and finally increasing consolidation in the later stages of the disease. Finally, studies agree in the absence of ancillary chest CT findings such as lymphadenopathy, pleural effusions, pulmonary nodules, and lung cavitation. Studies have reported a low rate of misdiagnosis by chest CT, as well as a high rate of misdiagnosis by the rRT-PCR tests. Specifically, chest CT provides more accurate results in the early stages of COVID-19, when it is critical to begin treatment as well as isolate the patient to avoid the spread of the virus. While rRT-PCR will probably remain the definitive final test for COVID-19 until it is more readily available and can consistently provide higher sensitivity, the use of chest CT for early-stage diagnosis and isolation has proven valuable in avoiding misdiagnosis and controlling the spread as well as monitoring the progression of the disease. To further the role of chest CT and the computer-assisted detection process, researchers are beginning to apply deep learning and other algorithms to differentiate between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 CT scans, determine the severity of the disease to guide the course of treatment, and investigate numerous additional COVID-19 applications. The goal of this review-in-brief is to facilitate the research in imaging technology development to benefit the detection and monitoring of COVID-19.
Reference & source information: https://journals.sagepub.com
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@PUNITHA THANARAJU Thank you so much for sharing this information 😊 CT scan do deep analysis so it provides more accurate results in the early stages of COVID-19.
Sometimes swap test show negative. When you really gone to CT shows postive. This article actually shows importance of CT Scan. Thanks for sharing @PUNITHA THANARAJU. Keep sharing