BACKGROUND Pneumonia is the main manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection.Chest computed tomography is recommended for the initial evaluation of the disease;this technique can also be helpful to mo...BACKGROUND Pneumonia is the main manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection.Chest computed tomography is recommended for the initial evaluation of the disease;this technique can also be helpful to monitor the disease progression and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy.AIM To review the currently available literature regarding the radiological follow-up of COVID-19-related lung alterations using the computed tomography scan,to describe the evidence about the dynamic evolution of COVID-19 pneumonia and verify the potential usefulness of the radiological follow-up.METHODS We used pertinent keywords on PubMed to select relevant studies;the articles we considered were published until October 30,2020.Through this selection,69 studies were identified,and 16 were finally included in the review.RESULTS Summarizing the included works’findings,we identified well-defined stages in the short follow-up time frame.A radiographic deterioration reaching a peak roughly within the first 2 wk;after the peak,an absorption process and repairing signs are observed.At later radiological follow-up,with the limitation of little evidence available,the lesions usually did not recover completely.CONCLUSION Following computed tomography scan evolution over time could help physicians better understand the clinical impact of COVID-19 pneumonia and manage the possible sequelae;a longer follow-up is advisable to verify the complete resolution or the presence of long-term damage.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Pneumonia is the main manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection.Chest computed tomography is recommended for the initial evaluation of the disease;this technique can also be helpful to monitor the disease progression and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy.AIM To review the currently available literature regarding the radiological follow-up of COVID-19-related lung alterations using the computed tomography scan,to describe the evidence about the dynamic evolution of COVID-19 pneumonia and verify the potential usefulness of the radiological follow-up.METHODS We used pertinent keywords on PubMed to select relevant studies;the articles we considered were published until October 30,2020.Through this selection,69 studies were identified,and 16 were finally included in the review.RESULTS Summarizing the included works’findings,we identified well-defined stages in the short follow-up time frame.A radiographic deterioration reaching a peak roughly within the first 2 wk;after the peak,an absorption process and repairing signs are observed.At later radiological follow-up,with the limitation of little evidence available,the lesions usually did not recover completely.CONCLUSION Following computed tomography scan evolution over time could help physicians better understand the clinical impact of COVID-19 pneumonia and manage the possible sequelae;a longer follow-up is advisable to verify the complete resolution or the presence of long-term damage.
