Covid-19 Pneumonia: A Pictorial Review of Ct Findings and Differential Diagnosis Publisher



Shirani F¹ ; Shayganfar A¹ ; Hajiahmadi S¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Published:2021

Abstract

Background: The gold standard for verifying COVID-19 mostly depends on microbiological tests like real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, the availability of RT-PCR kits can be known as a problem and false negative results may be encountered. Although CT scan is not a screening tool for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, given the widespread acquisition of it in the pandemic state, familiarity with different CT findings and possible differential diagnosis is essential in this regard. Main text: In this review, we introduced the typical and atypical CT features of COVID-19 pneumonia, and discussed the main differential diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Conclusions: The imaging findings in this viral pneumonia showed a broad spectrum, and there are no pathognomonic imaging findings for COVID-19 pneumonia. Although CT scan is not a diagnostic and screening tool, familiarity with different imaging findings and their differential diagnosis can be helpful in a rapid and accurate decision-making. © 2021, The Author(s).