Keywords
computed tomography
radiography
How to Cite
Abstract
In press
Background. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains clinically relevant because of its multisystem involvement, possible prolonged post-infectious manifestations, and the need for correct interpretation of thoracic imaging findings. Expanding knowledge of disease pathogenesis requires a concurrent reassessment of the role of imaging methods in diagnosing pulmonary complications.
Aim. To analyze current scientific literature on the etiopathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019, compare the capabilities of chest radiography and computed tomography, and identify characteristic computed tomography features of lung parenchymal involvement in coronavirus disease 2019.
Materials and Methods. A literature review of publications from 2020–2026 indexed in Scopus and Web of Science and published in professional medical journals was performed using system analysis. Search terms concerned the etiopathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019, radiological diagnosis, computed tomography, radiography, and "ground-glass" opacity. The study was conducted as the author's private initiative, without grant support or state registration of the research topic.
Research Ethics. Publications whose authors reported compliance with applicable bioethical requirements were selected for the review.
Results. Evidence on the systemic nature of coronavirus disease, immune-inflammatory and endothelial mechanisms of injury, and possible persistence of viral components in the gastrointestinal tract was summarized. Computed tomography detects early and subtle parenchymal abnormalities better than plain radiography but lacks sufficient etiological specificity. The most characteristic computed tomography findings are bilateral peripheral "ground-glass" opacities, consolidation, and the "crazy-paving" pattern. The extent and severity of abnormalities may have prognostic value, although findings depend on clinical context, timing of imaging, and study population. COVID-19 findings partly overlap with other viral pneumonias; therefore, differential diagnosis requires integration of imaging with clinical and laboratory data.
Conclusions. Imaging complements laboratory diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 but does not replace viral ribonucleic acid detection. Computed tomography is most informative for detailed assessment of lung parenchyma and disease extent, whereas radiography retains advantages in availability and portability.
Keywords: medical radiology, computed tomography, radiography, "ground-glass" opacity.
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