Radiological Mimickers of COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Pictorial Review

Tanaffos. 2020 Nov;19(2):100-107.

Abstract

Computed tomography (CT) scan plays an important role in the early diagnosis of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia. In resource-limited regions with limited availability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits, CT findings, together with appropriate clinical parameters, are used to establish an accurate diagnosis. However, since the radiological findings are non-specific, the CT features may overlap with the findings of several other categories of pulmonary diseases. Diagnosis based on radiological features can be especially challenging in the presence of a comorbid lung disease. This study aimed to describe the radiological findings of a wide spectrum of lung pathologies, with emphasis on their similarities with the common presentations of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus; Tomography, X-ray computed tomography.

Publication types

  • Review