Differential diagnoses in COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective descriptive study

Abstract

Since 02.2020, SARS-CoV-2 infection rapidly spread across Southern Switzerland. The available literature on differential diagnoses of COVID-19 is scarce. Our study aims to review differential diagnoses of SARS-CoV-2 infections in public hospitals in Southern Switzerland and to describe patients’ related outcome. Between 01.03.2020 and 15.04.2020, 344 patients had a chest CT-scan at admission, 210 of them were pathological. 172 patients had a positive nasopharyngeal swab for SARSCoV- 2 and 38 patients needed an additional diagnostic work-up and were included in this study. Among the selected patients,8 patients underwent 2 PCR for SARS-CoV2, 18 of them 3 PCR. We observed 29 infective cases, 3 due to cardiovascular aetiologies, 2 due to COPD exacerbation, 1 due to cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, 3 not related to respiratory diseases. Our results highlight the importance of differential diagnosis in times of widespread occurrence of COVID-19, considering the similarity of symptoms and imaging appearance with other respiratory conditions.

Mucormycosis and Covid-19 Pandemic: An Additional Challenge

“…We have read some articles recently published in international Journals with comments on misdiagnoses involving viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections in the COVID-19 pandemic. 1,2 Switzerland specialists in Internal Medicine, Pneumology, and Radiology reviewed data at admission of 344 patients (210 abnormal chest CT-scans and 172 positive swabs for SARSCoV-2). 38 had additional work-up and were included, 20 were females, and the average age was 66 years.…”

“…1 The authors emphasized the role of differential hypotheses in sceneries of pandemics because the earliest correct diagnosis and adequate management of concomitant conditions affect the outcomes. 1 In this setting, one must highlight the recent article by Pasero et al about challenges related to the coexistence of SARS-CoV-2 and necrotizing pulmonary mucormycosis in a 66-yearold male. 2 Predisposing factor to pneumonia with cavity was the significant lymphopenia due to COVID-19.…”

“…7 COVID-19 and mucormycosis share a propensity to thromboembolisms and pulmonary infarctions, phenomenon that increases the possibility of under diagnosis and misdiagnosis in dual infections. 1,3…”