COVID-19 and the Radiology Department: What We Know So Far

Abstract

COVID-19 is a global healthcare pandemic that is now growing through nations across the world. The role of radiology is crucial, and a variety of guidelines have been published regarding the role of imaging. These aim to protect healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general public from exposure, while preserving critical radiology operations and conserving personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical care resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fleischner Society published guidelines on indications of imaging various settings. These guidelines take into account resource availability, pre-test probability, degree of symptoms and risk factors, which is crucial for decision-making regarding need and indications of imaging. Mitigating steps and alternative approaches should be considered to provide the best care for patients while protecting all HCWs. Owing to overlap of COVID-19 imaging findings with other pathologies, standardized reporting acquires importance for risk assessment and effective communication of suspicious findings. RSNA followed by Dutch Radiological Society (NVvR) have published guidelines on standardized CT reporting for COVID-19, which show excellent inter-observer variability. Standardized reporting can provide guidance and confidence to radiologists as well as increased clarity to physicians through reduced reporting variability. The article discusses the published recommendations and aims to make radiologists aware of the protocols and guidelines that need to be followed in this ongoing public health crisis for effective patient care while protecting HCWs and conserving resources.

COVID-19 imaging: Diagnostic approaches, challenges, and evolving advances

“…A standardized reporting system known as the COVID-19 Reporting and Data System was developed by the Dutch Radiological Society in April of 2020[ 119 ]. This task was pursued to promote a form of standardized communication in regard to COVID-19 CT imaging disease findings and improve communication between radiologists and referring physicians[ 59 , 119 , 120 ]. The Radiological Society of North America also developed a consensus on standardized reporting for COVID-19 imaging findings[ 121 ].…”

Role of Ct Scan Examination on Covid-19

“…Another disadvantage of a CT scan is that the patient is exposed to radiation. Radiation levels in CT scans have been found to produce an estimated risk of death from cancer of 0.08% in adults aged 45 years (Taylor et al, 2020;Vermani, Kaushal, & Kaushal, 2020).…”