Value of HRCT in diagnosis of COVID-19

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and imaging characteristics on chest high-resolution CT (HRCT) of COVID-19, so as to improve the radiologists' understanding of the disease. Methods: The medical history, clinical symptoms and imaging characteristics of 24 confirmed COVID-19 patients from a single center were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 9 females, aged 17 to 74 years. All cases underwent chest HRCT examination, and their imaging signs were summarized by 2 senior radiologists. Results: Of the 24 patients, 18 had clinical symptoms of respiratory tract infection, 2 had symptoms other than respiratory tract, and 4 had asymptomatic. Increased white blood cell count in 6 cases (25%), normal in 6 cases (25%), decreased in 12 cases (50%); increased lymphocyte count in 5 cases (21%), decreased in 19 cases (79%); increased neutrophils in 10 patients (42%), normal in 9 patients (37%), and decreased in 5 patients (21%); all patients had elevated C-reactive protein (100%). The main chest HRCT manifestation was diffuse ground glass opacity (GGO) in the peripheral zone of the lungs and under the pleura. Pulmonary interstitial changes, bronchial air signs, bronchial vascular bundle thickening, paving stone signs, and 'white lung' changes appeared in some cases. A few cases have enlarged lymph nodes and a small amount of pleural effusion. Conclusion: The COVID-19 has certain characteristics on chest HRCT. Combined with clinical symptoms and epidemiological history of respiratory infections, chest HRCT has early clinical diagnosis value. (authors)