Background The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to diagnosis, particularly when Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was scarce. Methods This study evaluates the diagnostic validity of Computed tomography (CT) and its impact on patient treatment when RT-PCR was unavailable. A retrospective examination of 50 symptomatic patients from December 2022 to June 2023 was conducted. All patients underwent non-contrast chest CT scans following institutional ethical approval. CT images were analyzed by experienced radiologists, assessing CT likelihood and severity. RT-PCR tests were also conducted, and patient management decisions were recorded. Results The patient group had a mean age of 67.2 years (range 32–89 years), with 64.9% male. Ground-glass opacity (GGO) was the most common CT finding (56.8%), often peripheral, multilobar, and bilateral. Two CT phenotypes were identified. CT demonstrated high sensitivity compared to RT-PCR. Conclusion As CT severity levels were higher in our patients, it becomes a crucial tool for early COVID-19 detection and management. Prompt CT exams, especially within 5 days of symptom onset, improve diagnostic precision. Specific CT phenotypes and severity scores provide valuable information for predicting disease severity and guiding patient management.
Chen et al. (Fri,) studied this question.