Impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Radiological Imaging in Germany. / Auswirkung der COVID-19-Pandemie auf die radiologische Bildgebung in Deutschland.
Rofo
; 194(6): 625-633, 2022 06.
Article
in English, German
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1599667
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on the radiological imaging volume in Germany. MATERIALS UNDMETHODS:
In this retrospective multicenter study, we analyzed CT and MRI examinations of 7 radiology institutes across Germany from January to December 2020. The imaging volume was compared to 2019 (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test). Modality, patient service locations, and examined body parts were assessed in consideration of time periods of the pandemic. In addition, correlation with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 cases and associated death was performed (Spearman-test).RESULTS:
In total, in 2020, imaging volume declined by 4â% (nâ=â8314) compared with 2019 (pâ<â0.05). The hard lockdown during the first pandemic wave (calendar week 12-16, March 22 - April 19) revealed the highest decrease with 29â% (nâ=â894, pâ<â0.01), with the greatest decrease in CT (36â% vs. MRI 26â%), outpatients (38â%, pâ<â0.01), and imaging of the spine and extremities (51-72â%, <â0.05 - pâ<â0.01). Examinations referred from the emergency department (-13â%, pâ<â0.05) and CT of the chest (-16â%, pâ<â0.05) were least affected. With the end of the first wave, gradual normalization of the imaging volume was observed and persisted until the end of the observation period. A reduction of imaging volume negatively correlated with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2-positive cases and associated deaths (râ=â0.28 and 0.49, pâ<â0.05 and pâ<â0.001).CONCLUSION:
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant temporary decline in imaging volume. After the first lockdown period, a quick recovery was observed with radiologic imaging examinations steadily approaching prior-year figures. KEY POINTS · This study assesses the impact of dynamic pandemic activity on radiological imaging in a multicenter analysis in Germany.. · The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a temporary decline in CT and MRI scans.. · Relaxation of restrictions was associated with fast normalization of imaging volumes to prior-year levels, which persisted until the end of the year.. · Significant catch-up effects were not observed.. CITATION FORMAT · Schmidbauer M, Grenacher L, Juchems MS etâal. Impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Radiological Imaging in Germany. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194 625â-â633.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Radiology
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
German
/
English
Journal:
Rofo
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
A-1710-3767
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