ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a massive impact on the whole world. Computed tomography (CT) has been widely used in the diagnosis of this novel pneumonia. This study aims to understand the role of CT for the diagnosis and the main imaging manifestations of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We conducted a rapid review and meta-analysis on studies about the use of chest CT for the diagnosis of COVID-19. We comprehensively searched databases and preprint servers on chest CT for patients with COVID-19 between 1 January 2020 and 31 March 2020. The primary outcome was the sensitivity of chest CT imaging. We also conducted subgroup analyses and evaluated the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: A total of 103 studies with 5,673 patients were included. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results as reference, a meta-analysis based on 64 studies estimated the sensitivity of chest CT imaging in COVID-19 was 99% (95% CI, 0.97-1.00). If case reports were excluded, the sensitivity in case series was 96% (95% CI, 0.93-0.99). The sensitivity of CT scan in confirmed patients under 18 years old was only 66% (95% CI, 0.15-1.00). The most common imaging manifestation was ground-glass opacities (GGO) which was found in 75% (95% CI, 0.68-0.82) of the patients. The pooled probability of bilateral involvement was 84% (95% CI, 0.81-0.88). The most commonly involved lobes were the right lower lobe (84%, 95% CI, 0.78-0.90) and left lower lobe (81%, 95% CI, 0.74-0.87). The quality of evidence was low across all outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicated that chest CT scan had a high sensitivity in diagnosis of patients with COVID-19. Therefore, CT can potentially be used to assist in the diagnosis of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Our hospital is a designated institution for COVID-19 patients in Chengdu, China. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and chest CT features of 15 COVID-19 patients with positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) retest results after discharge. Patients who met the current standards of discharge could still carry the SARS-CoV-2 virus. METHODS: Clinical manifestations, laboratory data, and chest CT images were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The most common symptoms at Covid-19COVID-19 initial onset were fever (12/15, 80%) and cough (11/15, 73.3%). Most of the patients had a normal white blood cells (12/15, 80%), neutrophils (12/15, 80%), and lymphocytes count (13/15, 86.7%); some patients had increased C-reactive protein (CRP) (5/15, 33.3%), and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (4/15, 26.7%) during first admission. Five patients (33.3%) had a cough before their first discharge. The average interval from the first discharge to re-admission was 17 days (range, 9-30 days). At re-admission, two (13.3%) patients presented with cough, and one (6.6%) had chest pain with anxiety. At re-admission, all patients had normal clinical results except five (33.3%) patients had increased CRP compared with first discharging, two (13.3%) patients had increased neutrophils count, and one (6.6%) had increased CRP. The majority of patients had normal procalcitonin. Ground glass opacities (GGOs) and reticulation in the peripheral and subpleural areas were the most common CT manifestations, and six patients (40%) showed a transformation from reticulation to GGOs when re-admitted. CONCLUSIONS: There may be no specific clinical characteristics to predict the re-detectability of the virus. A regular medical observation and a bi-monthly follow-up is recommended.