CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19

Objective To investigate the high resolution CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19. Methods The CT imaging data were collected from 44 patients positive in nucleic acid test with COVID-19 manifestation. The imaging characteristics and imaging manifestations of COVID-19 patients on different stages were retrospectively analyzed. Results Among the 44 patients, there were 6 cases (13.6%) with a single lesion in a single lobe, 38 cases (86.3%) with multiple lesions in two or more pulmonary lobes. There were 12 cases (27.27%) of pure ground glass density shadow, 32 cases (72.73%) of ground glass density lesions combined with consolidation lesions, 11 cases (25%) with air bronchogram in ground glass density shadow (GGO), 14 cases (31.8%) with thickened small vessels in GGO, 16 cases (36.4%) with small grid shadow in GGO. There were 2 cases (4.5%) with small amount of pleural effusion and 30 cases (68.2%) with fibrous cords under the pleura and pleural reaction. In the early stage of COVID-19, CT images were characterized in GGO or GGO with consolidation. In the progressive stage, the foci were mainly fusion consolidation, with an enlarged area of pulmonary lesions, especially under the pleura with diffused distribution in the lobes. Pleural effusion and enlarged mediastinal lymph node were rare. Conclusions CT is important for early diagnosis, staging and prognosis assessment of COVID-19.