CT Color Coded Lung Images Visualizing Faint Ground Glass Opacity as Early COVID-19 Lung Finding

Abstract

Background: For early diagnosis of pulmonary abnormalities in COVID-19 patients, a CT scan of the chest is a main and straightforward diagnostic approach. A semi-quantitative approach based on both visual and colour coded images aids in the early diagnosis of COVID-19 lung abnormalities, allowing for better disease detection and infection control. Aim of Study:The purpose of this study is to confirm the value of color-coded lung imaging in improving the detection of faint ground glass opacities, which were the only symptom in COVID-19 patients who were diagnosed early.Patients and Methods: This cross section study included 50 patients (36 males, 14 females) ranging in age from 25 to 65 years (mean age of 34.2 years) who were confirmed to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 using an RT-PCR test and were referred to the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine's Radiology department for a chest CT scan.Results: From mid-January to April 15, 2021, we studied 50 patients in Cairo, Egypt, who had positive RT-PCR tests and pulmonary manifestations. Fifty patients (100%) had faint ground glass opacities that were detected by both visual and colour coded images, while seven patients (14%) had only colour coded images that were confirmed by CT HU assessment. Conclusion:The application of both visual and color coded images improve and augment the early detection of faint ground glass opacities seen in early COVID-19 affection.