Chest imaging in patients with acute respiratory failure because of coronavirus disease 2019. Issue 1 (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Meglio, Letizia; Carriero, Serena; Biondetti, Pierpaolo; Wood, Bradford J.; Carrafiello, Gianpaolo
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in critical care. Volume 28:Issue 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: acute respiratory failure -- chest radiography -- computed tomography -- coronavirus disease 2019 -- lung ultrasound; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; 616.028
• DOI: 10.1097/MCC.0000000000000906
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1070-5295

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: This review aims to explore the different imaging modalities, such as chest radiography (CXR), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, PET/CT scan, and MRI to describe the main features for the evaluation of the chest in COVID-19 patients with ARDS. Recent findings: This article includes a systematic literature search, evidencing the different chest imaging modalities used in patients with ARDS from COVID-19. Literature evidences different possible approaches going from the conventional CXR and CT to the LUS, MRI, and PET/CT. Summary: CT is the technique with higher sensitivity and definition for studying chest in COVID-19 patients. LUS or bedside CXR are critical in patients requiring close and repeated monitoring. Moreover, LUS and CXR reduce the radiation burden and the risk of infection compared with CT. PET/CT and MRI, especially in ARDS patients, are not usually used for diagnostic or follow-up purposes.