The application value of low-dose CT scan in pregnant women with COVID-19 / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To explore the value of low-dose CT in pregnancy with COVID-19.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, and chest CT findings of 12 pregnant women with COVID-19 diagnosed by nucleic acid testing in the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 20, 2020 to February 16, 2020. Two radiologists blinded to the reconstruction algorithm independently scored subjective image quality on a 5-point Likert scale. Image quality score ≥ 3 was acceptable in clinics. The CT radiation doses were recorded, including CT volume dose index (CTDI vol), dose length product (DLP), and effective radiation dose ( E). Two radiologists observed the distribution, shape, density, and other characteristics of lung lesions, and they also decided whether hilar, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and pleural changed. Results:A total of 12 pregnant women with COVID-19, 8 had cough, 4 had fever, 2 had chest tightness, and 1 had dyspnea and diarrhea each. The CT image quality score of all patients was 3-4, with an average of 3.46, which fully met the clinical diagnosis requirements. The CTDI vol value was 1.13-4.31 mGy, with an average of 3.02 mGy. The DLP value was 34.48-75.29 mGy·cm, with an average of 55.48 mGy·cm. The Evalue was 0.48-1.05 mSv, with an average of 0.78 mSv. In all cases, chest CT examination showed abnormal manifestations after clinical symptoms, including unilateral lung lesions in 5 cases and bilateral lung lesions in 7 cases, 1 case of ground-glass opacity, 1 case of solidification, 7 cases of ground-glass and consolidation, 1 case of strip opacity, ground-glass, and consolidation and strip cable shadow coexisted in 2 cases. Conclusions:The application of low-dose CT scan in pregnant women with COVID-19 is completely feasible. CT mainly manifested as bilateral lung patchy and flaky ground-glass opacity with consolidation. Active and effective treatment can help recover and improve prognosis.