What can research evidence tell us about the use of computed tomography for detecting COVID-19 Pneumonia

Rapid evidence review

Abstract

Key Message

Computed tomography (CT) is not used for primary screening and diagnosis of COVID-19. But, it has very high detection in later time and can be used for evaluation of COVID-19 pneumonia. For patients with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia but false negative RT-PCR, cross checking with CT and repeated RT-PCR is essential in order to avoid misdiagnosis.

⦿     Use of CT as a first-line diagnostic or screening tool in COVID-19 is not beneficial

⦿      For patients with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia but false negative RT-PCR, cross checking with CT and repeated RT-PCR is essential in order to avoid misdiagnosis

⦿     Chest CT offers the great sensitivity for detecting COVID-19 pneumonia among symptomatic individuals, especially in a severe situation

⦿     Chest CT serves for evaluating potential complications, disease severity and progression of COVID-19 pneumonia

⦿     The imaging feature of CT findings differ at early, intermediate and later stage of COVID-19 pneumonia

The diagnosis of CT in  children is difficult