Role of plain radiography, computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound imaging in diagnosing Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19): a narrative review

• Main Authors: Toh Man Hua, Nor Fitri, Sayed, Inayatullah Shah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia 2023
• Subjects: QC Physics
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/106271/7/106271_Role%20of%20plain%20radiography%2C%20computed%20tomography%20%28CT%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/106271/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/ijahs/index.php/IJAHS/article/view/776

Introduction: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, commonly referred to as COVID-19, a novel respiratory virus, has had a profound impact on a global scale. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) serves as the primary diagnostic modality for the detection of COVID-19. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that RT-PCR often yields a considerable number of false-negative results, thereby necessitating the need for additional diagnostic procedures. The RT-PCR test is employed in conjunction with CT, conventional radiography, and ultrasound for the purpose of diagnosing COVID-19. This study investigated the diagnostic potential of plain radiography, CT, and ultrasound imaging in the detection of COVID-19. Methods: The search criteria for this review include articles published recently on diagnostic imaging specialties for the detection of COVID-19. Various databases, such as Web of Science (WoS), PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were used. Results: CT is more sensitive to COVID-19 than conventional radiography and ultrasonography. Even though medical imaging methods are helpful for COVID-19 screening, the virus is typically not detectable in its early stages. The imaging modalities can aid in the screening and follow-up of COVID-19, but they are mostly unable to detect the disease in the early days of infection and therefore cannot be relied upon as standalone tools for determining positive or negative results. Imaging plays a crucial role in the management of COVID-19 patients by assessing infection severity, controlling disease spread, and improving patient management. The use of imaging modalities introduces certain risks, including the potential for disease spread, difficulty in sanitising large equipment and rooms, and unnecessary radiation exposure for patients. Conclusion: The imaging techniques should only be used for follow-up and not as a primary approach to establish whether a person has COVID-19 or not. They can provide valuable information about infection severity and aid in patient management, but precautions should be taken to minimise associated risks.