COVID-19 Imaging: What We Know Now and What Remains Unknown

Abstract

Infection by SARS-CoV-2 virus ranges from asymptomatic to severe and sometimes fatal disease, most frequently the result of acute lung injury. The role of imaging has evolved during the pandemic, initially with CT as alternative and possibly superior test compared to RT-PCR, to a more limited role based on specific indications. Several classification and reporting schemes were developed for chest imaging early during the pandemic for patients with suspected COVID-19 to aid in triage when the availability of RT-PCR testing was limited and its performance unclear. Interobserver agreement for categories with findings typical of COVID-19 and those suggesting an alternative diagnosis is high across multiple studies. Furthermore, some studies looking at the extent of lung involvement on chest radiography and CT showed correlations with critical illness and need for mechanical ventilation. In addition to pulmonary manifestations, cardiovascular complications such as thromboembolism and myocarditis have been ascribed to COVID-19, sometimes contributing to neurologic and abdominal manifestations. Finally, artificial intelligence has shown promise in both diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19 pneumonia both with respect to radiography and CT.