Chest CT Features of COVID-19 and Its Evolution

Objective: To analyze the chest CT features of COVID-19 and its evolution. Method: Retrospectively analyze the chest CT features of 52 cases of COVID-19, including location, distribution, density and others. The CT features after treatment of COVID-19 were also analyzed. Results: Within 52 patients, the CT of 2 light type patients was negative, the other 50 patients(43 common and 7 severe types) were positive for the first time CT scan. 45 patients(45/50, 90.00%) had multiple GGOs in both lungs, of which 30 patients(30/50, 60.00%) showed as partial consolidation and 15 patients(15/50, 30.00%) showed as pure GGO(pGGO), the lesions mainly distributed in the peripheral area of the lungs; only 5 patients(5/50, 10.00%) showed as consolidation. Most of the lesions were patchy, multiple and leafy distributed. About 74.00%(37/50) cases showed thickening blood vessels, 52.00%(26/50) cases showed air bronchus sign, 54.00%(27/50) cases showed halo sign and 36.00%(18/50) cases showed paving stone sign. 25 cases accepted CT scan after treatment(2~10 d), GGO lesions showed partial absorption in 14 cases(56.00%), density and lesions increased in 11 cases(44.00%). Conclusion: The main chest CT features of COVID-19 were multiple patchy GGO with or without pulmonary consolidation in the peripheral areas of lungs, which may be accompanied with thickening blood vessels, air bronchus sign and "paving stone sign". After treatment, the lesions of lungs can be absorbed, the density decreased, or the lesions can become consolidation, fibrosis and so on. Based on the above recognition of CT signs, it is helpful for clinicians to make early diagnosis and timely evaluation of COVID-19 therapeutic effect.