IMAGING FINDINGS ON CHEST X-RAY IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19

Maja Jakimovska; Elizabeta Stojovska Jovanovska; Vasilco Spirov; Aleksandar Stojkoski; Petar Janevski; Mirko Ilievski

Maja Jakimovska University Institute of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University â€œSs. Cyril and Methodiusâ€, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
Elizabeta Stojovska Jovanovska University Institute of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University â€œSs. Cyril and Methodiusâ€, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
Vasilco Spirov University Institute of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University â€œSs. Cyril and Methodiusâ€, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
Aleksandar Stojkoski University Institute of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University â€œSs. Cyril and Methodiusâ€, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
Petar Janevski University Institute of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University â€œSs. Cyril and Methodiusâ€, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia
Mirko Ilievski University Institute of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University â€œSs. Cyril and Methodiusâ€, Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the most common manifestations and patterns of parenchymal abnormalities in patients with confirmed corona virus disease. Methods: Chest X -ray is the first imaging method to diagnose COVID 19 corona virus infection because it is cheap, readily available and can easily be cleaned. Portable radiography units are preferred. We retrospectively reviewed the chest x-rays in hospitalized patients for COVID-19. Radiologists can recognize and identify pulmonary involvement, airspace opacities, consolidation, ground-glass opacity, pulmonary lesion distribution, lobe predomination and unlike parenchymal abnormalities. Results: The main symptom in our patients was fever. The most frequent findings on X-ray were airspace opacities, whether described as consolidation or ground glass opacity. The distribution was most often bilateral, peripheral and lower zone predominant. No patient presented cavitations. Conclusion: Chest X- ray is effective, fast and useful tool to diagnose COVID 19 and it is a first line diagnostic imaging tool.

Keywords: COVID-19, corona virus infection, chest X-ray, pneumonia, ground glass opacity.

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