Latest articles on COVID-19
Chest radiograph at admission predicts early intubation among inpatient COVID-19 patients
To assess the severity of chest x-rays of COVID-19 patients at admission, the authors of this study developed a COVID-19 opacification rating score which proved useful in identifying patients who may rapidly deteriorate, thus helping clinical management as well as hospital bed and ventilation allocation.
The sensitivity and specificity of chest CT in the diagnosis of COVID-19
The sensitivity and specificity of the chest CT in diagnosing COVID-19 and the radiation exposure should be judged together. Furthermore, chest CT scans have added value in diagnosing COVID-19, especially in patients who exhibit typical clinical symptoms and have negative RT-PCR results.
Computed tomography semi-automated lung volume quantification in SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia
A quantitative semi-automated algorithm for lung CT elaboration resulted as a reliable tool to obtain a quantification of lung involvement in patients with SARS-COV-2-related pneumonia.
COVID-19, AI enthusiasts, and toy datasets: radiology without radiologists
In this Letter to the Editor, the authors draw their attention to the dangers of using ill-curated data to train deep networks for dealing with COVID-19 and highlight the importance of including radiologists in this process.
Temporal relationship between serial RT-PCR results and serial chest CT imaging, and serial CT changes in coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia: a descriptive study of 155 cases in China
Chest CT can show COVID-19 related lung abnormalities earlier than the time of initial positive nucleic acid tests with RT-PCR, and can demonstrate lung improvements earlier than the RT-PCR conversion to negative time.
The accuracy of teleradiologists in diagnosing COVID-19 based on a French multicentric emergency cohort
This data from a French multicentric emergency cohort illustrates the high diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing COVID-19 by teleradiologists with various degrees of experience, as well as excellent inter-observer agreement for chest CT.
Chest X-ray for predicting mortality and the need for ventilatory support in COVID-19 patients presenting to the emergency department
Evaluating the inter-rater agreement of chest X-ray findings in COVID-19 patients, the authors proved that chest X-ray is a reproducible tool for assessing COVID-19, allowing for early prediction of mortality and need for ventilatory support.
The use of imaging in COVID-19—results of a global survey by the International Society of Radiology
A survey encompassing 50 radiology departments from 33 countries summarizes the differences and similarities in imaging practice of COVID-19 patients in departments worldwide, potentially aiding the development of overall strategies for radiology department organization and imaging protocols in pandemic conditions.
Initial chest radiographs and artificial intelligence (AI) predict clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients: analysis of 697 Italian patients
Initial chest x-ray severity in COVID-19 patients assessed by a deep learning AI system may have prognostic value with a performance comparable to a radiologist-assessed score.
CT imaging of pulmonary embolism in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: a retrospective analysis
Pulmonary embolisms (PE) in COVID-19 patients are a problematic issue, predominantly affecting segmental arteries and the right lung, especially its upper lobe. This could increase the probability of ICU admission even if PEs are not linked with the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Diagnostic accuracy and interobserver variability of CO-RADS in patients with suspected coronavirus disease-2019: a multireader validation study
Based on a large multireader validation study, COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) has been proven as a valid tool for identifying lung involvement in suspected COVID-19 patients, showing high diagnostic accuracy across readers with different levels of expertise.
COVID-19 pneumonia: high diagnostic accuracy of chest CT in patients with intermediate clinical probability
During an acute COVID-19 outbreak, CT scan may be used in the context of first-line dedicated triage of patients, presenting an intermediate clinical probability with very good inter-observer concordances and diagnostic accuracy.
Addressing intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: how radiologists can make a difference
During the unprecedented social and economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to raise awareness of the increased cases of intimate partner violence and point out the role of the radiologists to support the victims.
CT and clinical assessment in asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic patients with early SARS-CoV-2 in outbreak settings
This study found that COVID-19 CT infiltrates pre-date symptoms in two-thirds of investigated patients, indicating that CT could help identify asymptomatic patients who develop symptoms at a later point.
Ultra-low-dose chest CT imaging of COVID-19 patients using a deep residual neural network
In an attempt to substantially reduce radiation dose for the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 positive patients, this deep learning algorithm proved capable of predicting standard full-dose CT images with acceptable quality.
Teleworking beyond teleradiology: managing radiology departments during the COVID-19 outbreak
This editorial highlights the benefits of teleworking in radiology departments during the COVID-19 outbreak, arguing for its potential to maintain activity and even increase productivity in areas such as administrative, operations, education, and research units.
Observer agreement and clinical significance of chest CT reporting in patients suspected of COVID-19
Interobserver agreement to report chest CT findings in categories for clinical suspicion of COVID-19 proved highly beneficial. Chest CT can aid estimating the likelihood of COVID-19 in patients and category reports need to be integrated to the clinical presentation and risk level for COVID-19.
Lung and kidney perfusion deficits diagnosed by dual-energy computed tomography in patients with COVID-19-related systemic microangiopathy
A large number of patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 had perfusion deficits in their lungs and kidneys, which may indicate the presence of systemic microangiopathy with micro-thrombosis. These findings help to understand the physiology of hypoxemia and may have implications regarding the management of patients with COVID-19.
Acute adrenal infarction as an incidental CT finding and a potential prognosis factor in severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a retrospective cohort analysis on 219 patients
This study demonstrated a high incidence of acute adrenal infarction on initial chest CT of severe COVID- 19 patients, which might point to a poorer prognosis. Awareness of this finding and mentioning it in the report when present might be key and is highly recommended.
2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia: CT manifestations and pattern of evolution in 110 patients in Jiangxi, China
In a retrospective review of COVID-19 patients from Jiangxi, China, the authors evaluated characteristics of pulmonary and extrapulmonary abnormalities and recognizable patterns of evolution visible on chest CT scans.
Chest CT for rapid triage of patients in multiple emergency departments during COVID-19 epidemic: experience report from a large French university hospital
A report on the experience of a large French hospital confirmed that chest CT is a quick and adequately reliable triage tool to refer potential COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization.
Automated quantification of COVID-19 severity and progression using chest CT images
A computer software that automatically detects and quantifies regions of pneumonia depicted on CT scans associated with COVID-19 was developed. This study demonstrates its potential as an image-based biomarker and its strength of integrating deep learning and computer vision technologies to overcome the limited availability of a dataset.
Reconfiguring the radiology leadership team for crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large tertiary hospital in Singapore
In an attempt to better cope with the COVID-19 outbreak, this hospital from Singapore reconfigured their radiology leadership team into a smaller disease outbreak task force (DOTF) to respond and coordinate all related efforts during this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
COVIDiag: a clinical CAD system to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia based on CT findings
COVIDiag is a model of an automated clinical CAD system for diagnosing COVID-19 that uses CT radiological routine features. Initial study shows it can be considered an aid for the radiologists, helping them make an accurate diagnosis.
A predictive model and scoring system combining clinical and CT characteristics for the diagnosis of COVID-19
This study establishes a scoring system which could be helpful for the prediction of COVID-19, assisting physicians and radiologists to reliably identify positive cases before receiving the results of RT-PCR tests.
Identification of common and severe COVID-19: the value of CT texture analysis and correlation with clinical characteristics
This retrospective study confirmed that CT texture analysis can provide reliable and objective information for evaluating the severity of COVID-19 disease.
Intimate partner violence crisis in the COVID-19 pandemic: how can radiologists make a difference?
In this Editorial, the authors highlight the Importance of raising awareness about the increase in cases of intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in North America.
Longitudinal study of interventional radiology activity in a large metropolitan Italian tertiary care hospital: how the COVID-19 pandemic emergency has changed our activity
This study identifies the changes in interventional radiology activity in the COVID-19 era, highlighting that interventional radiology continuum of care can still be safely performed if the defined measures and protocols are followed.
Comparison of the computed tomography findings in COVID-19 and other viral pneumonia in immunocompetent adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Following a detailed analysis of more than 2200 studies, the authors compared CT findings of patients with COVID-19 and patients with non-COVID viral pneumonia and confirmed an overlap between the two.
Quantitative chest CT analysis in COVID-19 to predict the need for oxygenation support and intubation
In an attempt to predict the need for oxygenation support and intubation of COVID-19 patients, the authors tested the application of quantitative CT (QCT) analysis for that purpose and found that QCT provides new metrics of COVID-19 and can be used in triaging process.
Association of “initial CT” findings with mortality in older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Initial CT scores may be useful to speculate prognosis and stratify patients with COVID-19 as severe manifestations on CT at an early stage may indicate poor prognosis for older patients.
Dynamic evolution of COVID-19 on chest computed tomography: experience from Jiangsu Province of China
This study analysed a large cohort of COVID-19 patients in Jiangsu province in China to determine the patterns of chest CT evolution according to disease severity, providing valuable insight into the nature of the disease.
Early chest CT features of patients with 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia: relationship to diagnosis and prognosis
Putting a special interest on symptomatic patients with a negative RT-PCR, the study proves CT imaging is valuable in the early diagnosis of COVID-19 disease and useful for monitoring follow-up.
Acute pulmonary embolism in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients referred to CTPA by emergency department
Non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia referred to CT scan by the emergency departments are at risk of acute pulmonary embolism, regardless of the severity or critical type of COVID-19 pneumonia.
CT in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a systematic review of chest CT findings in 4410 adult patients
This comprehensive review of published literature on chest CT characteristics of COVID-19 describes the imaging features for diagnosis, stratification, and follow-up of COVID-19 patients.
Relationship between clinical types and radiological subgroups defined by latent class analysis in 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2
Based on the latent class analysis of CT findings of the patients with COVID-19, two radiological subgroups were identified and it was discovered that demographic and clinical differences between the two subgroups were significantly different.
Clinical characteristics and chest CT imaging features of critically ill COVID-19 patients
A comparison of clinical, laboratory, and chest CT findings of critically ill COVID-19 patients confirmed that older patients with comorbidities were more likely to die of complications caused by COVID-19.
Radiographic findings in 240 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: time-dependence after the onset of symptoms
This study summarizes the most common radiographic features of COVID-19 pneumonia and discusses how effective is chest x-ray in detecting pulmonary alterations.
Any unique image biomarkers associated with COVID-19?
While the study results suggest that unique image features or patterns may not exist to reliably distinguish all COVID-19 from community-acquired pneumonia, there is a potential in using imaging markers to assist in identifying a subset of non-COVID-19 cases.
Non-COVID-19 emergencies: where have all the patients gone?
As the numbers of COVID-19 cases in the emergency departments in Europe surged, a sharp drop in non-COVID-19-related CTs has been observed, suggesting patient unwillingness to attend emergency departments due to fear of contracting the disease, potentially delaying diagnosis of serious conditions.
Chest computed tomography findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia
A retrospective analysis of chest CT features in COVID-19 patients showcased the importance of CT imaging and follow-up scans for a timely diagnosis of the novel pneumonia disease.
Medical conferences in the post-COVID world: a challenge, and an opportunity
In the midst of the biggest pandemic in recent history, this editorial ponders over the future of medical conferences in the post-COVID 19 world.
Chest CT for detecting COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy
Through systematic review and meta-analysis, it was determined that chest CT has a high sensitivity for detecting COVID-19 which helps early diagnosis and might contribute to confining the epidemic.
Mobile X-rays are highly valuable for critically ill COVID patients
While mobile chest x-ray examinations are less informative than chest CTs, they still provide radiologists with sufficient information and are an adequate alternative for examining those COVID-19 patients that could not undergo CT.
COVID-19 pneumonia: CT findings of 122 patients and differentiation from influenza pneumonia
The differences in chest CT characteristics between COVID-19 pneumonia and influenza pneumonia are significant and highlighting them can prove critical in differentiating the two diseases.
Optimizing resources in radiology practice amidst COVID-19 pandemic: preliminary experience from a tertiary care hospital in India
The authors of this Letter to the Editor share the difficulties radiological departments in less developed areas of India are facing during the rapidly unfolding pandemic.
Comparison of chest CT findings between COVID-19 pneumonia and other types of viral pneumonia: a two-center retrospective study
This comparison of chest CT findings between COVID-19 pneumonia and other types of viral pneumonia highlights the differences between the two diseases and enables quicker and more accurate diagnosis.
Clinical and radiological changes of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 pneumonia from disease onset to acute exacerbation: a multicentre paired cohort study
The analysis of clinical and radiological findings of COVID-19 diagnosed patients confirmed significant changes in clinical, laboratory, and CT findings in patients from disease onset to exacerbation
CT and COVID-19: Chinese experience and recommendations concerning detection, staging and follow-up
In this Letter to the Editor, the authors share their experience during the COVID-19 outbreak and give summarise the proposal for diagnosis and treatment published by the Chinese National Health Commission.
Incidentally discovered COVID-19 pneumonia: the role of diagnostic imaging
In this Letter to the Editor, the authors illustrate the possibility of incidental detection of COVID-19 in patients without symptoms, signifying the importance of precaution and preparedness in radiological departments.
Imaging features and evolution on CT in 100 COVID-19 pneumonia patients in Wuhan, China
This study analysed CT images of 100 COVID-19 pneumonia patients from Wuhan, China, in order to describe and classify typical features and disease progression in different stages.
Interpretation of CT signs of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia
CT images of COVID-19 patients from several Chinese hospitals were analysed in order to identify and interpret the most common signs of the novel pneumonia disease.
Important lessons for infection control in radiology departments during the COVID-19 pandemic
This editorial comment addresses the recent publications in European Radiology on COVID-19, pointing out the distinctions between the infection control measures in China and Europe.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) imaging reporting and data system (COVID-RADS) and common lexicon: a proposal based on the imaging data of 37 studies
This is a proposed lexicon for a COVID reporting and data system (COVID-RADS) encompassing imaging findings and establishing a grading system, thus facilitating the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 patients.
Adapting to a new normal? 5 key operational principles for a radiology service facing the COVID-19 pandemic
This editorial details the timeline and measures one Singaporean hospital has taken during its battle with COVID-19, from the early onset of the pandemic until now.
Characteristic CT findings distinguishing 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from influenza pneumonia
Standard viral pneumonias show similar imaging features to COVID-19 disease. However, as the authors of this study point out, certain CT findings differ, and these distinctions can be crucial for diagnosis of COVID-19.
Letter to the Editor: AI lends itself to the war of COVID-19
To deal with the issue of (in)accessability of personal protective equipment, Wang et al urge the authorities to consider using AI chest scanning system and thus reduce the contact between radiologists and COVID-19 patients.
The Radiology Department during the COVID-19 pandemic: a challenging, radical change
In this Letter to the Editor, two radiologists from Milan share their experience of tackling the COVID-19 outbreak and give an extensive overview of the steps their department took in order to cope with the pandemic.
COVID-19 patients and the radiology department – advice from the European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Society of Thoracic Imaging (ESTI)
The European Society of Radiology (ESR) and the European Society of Thoracic Imaging (ESTI) joined to provide a singular document encompassing the main imaging features of COVID-19 and highlight the crucial role of chest CT in the early diagnosis of the disease.
A diagnostic model for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on radiological semantic and clinical features: a multi-center study
This multi-center study compared clinical and CT imaging manifestations of pneumonia patients with and without COVID-19. The authors were able to distinguish between the two and construct a model which should enable quicker and more accurate diagnosis of COVID-19.
Prevention and control measures in radiology department for COVID-19
This article summarizes the prevention and control measures taken by radiology departments fighting COVID-19 across China. The authors share their protection protocols with the aim of instructing radiologists and radiological technologists worldwide.
The role of imaging in 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19)
This article summarizes the main imaging features of the novel coronavirus disease and highlights the important role of imaging in the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Evolution of CT findings in patients with mild COVID-19 pneumonia
This study outlines the progression of CT findings in patients with mild COVID-19 pneumonia. The research confirmed that presence of GGOs in the early phase is the most common finding, however, the proportion of patients with pure GGOs decreased over the 3 weeks after symptom onset.
CT features of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) in children
Chest CT characteristics of children infected with COVID-19 differ from those present in adults. This article reviews those differences and underlines the importance of proper radiation protection in pediatric patients.
CT features of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia according to clinical presentation: a retrospective analysis of 120 consecutive patients from Wuhan city
This article provides an overview of chest CT findings in COVID-19 patients from Wuhan. The authors compiled, analysed, and classified findings of 120 patients according to severity of the disease with the aim of assisting clinicians worldwide in diagnosis and decision-making processes.
Letter to the Editor: Pandemic novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV pneumonia and acute pulmonary embolism: are we underestimating the problem?
In this Letter to the Editor, a group of radiologists from Northern Italy shares their concerns regarding the high mortality rate in COVID-19 patients with pulmonary embolism, promising a more in-depth research in the near future.
What can European radiologists learn from the outbreak of COVID-19 in China? A discussion with a radiologist from Wuhan
This conversation between Andreas Gutzeit and Liang Wang summarizes the step-by-step course of action taken by the Chinese healthcare authorities in Wuhan from the beginning of COVID-19 outbreak. The strategy described here is not meant to be used as a model for the European or global situation, but can serve as an example of successful management of the crisis.
Letter to the Editor: Chest CT and RT-PCR: radiologists’ experience in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in China
In this letter to the Editor, the authors report on their first-hand experience in dealing with COVID-19 in China, highlighting the crucial role of chest CT in early diagnosis and evaluation.
CT image visual quantitative evaluation and clinical classification of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
The authors of this study analysed COVID-19 patients from Zhuhai, China to compare the relationship between the imaging manifestations and clinical classification of the disease. Based on the sample of 78 patients falling into all 3 categories of the disease (mild, common, and critical), the authors concluded that CT was not suitable as an independent screening tool, but that CT visual quantitative analysis has high consistency and can reflect the clinical classification of COVID-19.
Coronavirus disease 2019: initial chest CT findings
The authors examined initial chest CT data of patients from Chongqing, China, to compare findings from early and progressive stages of COVID-19 disease. In doing so, they were able to identify multiple ground-glass opacities with consolidations in the periphery of the lungs as the primary CT characteristic of the disease, and confirmed that CT score can be used to evaluate the severity of the disease.
Chest CT manifestations of new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a pictorial review
The authors of this review combined their experience from the frontlines of the COVID-19 outbreak with a comprehensive literature review to examine the typical and atypical CT manifestations of the disease and provide indications for prompt diagnosis.
Recommendation of low-dose CT in the detection and management of COVID-2019
This editorial demonstrates that low-dose CT can be equally as effective in COVID-19 detection and diagnosis as the standard CT. The radiation dose is 1/8 or 1/9 of the standard CT protocol, thus allowing for multiple scans with lower cumulative radiation.
Initial CT findings and temporal changes in patients with the novel coronavirus pneumonia (2019-nCoV): a study of 63 patients in Wuhan, China
This study by Yueying Pan et al reports that HRCT performed on 63 patients was paramount in the early detection, evaluation of disease severity, and follow-up of infected patients. The study concluded that imaging changes associated with COVID-19 are rapid, and radiologists need to be at the forefront of detection in the battle against it.
Outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19): What is the role of radiologists?
This editorial by Hyungjin Kim comprehensively summarises the latest publications on the topic and underlines the role of radiologists not only in detection, but also in defining severity and potential progression of the new disease.
Imaging changes in patients with 2019-nCov
Yueying Pan and Hanxiong Guan shared the first CT images of COVID-19 related pneumonia. It concluded that chest CT examination is very important in the initial diagnosis of the new type of pneumonia, and CT changes are variable.