Nuclear medicine practices during the COVID-19 pandemic—review of some recently published protocols

Abstract

Background With the global surge in COVID-19 pandemic, it has become inevitable for everyone, inclusive of nuclear medicine personnel, to play their role in combating and containing its transmission. During fall 2019, China encountered a novel coronavirus in Wuhan city which was later on termed as COVID-19. The pneumonia caused by COVID-19 is characterized by dry cough, fever, fatigue, and shortness of breathing (dyspnea). Until now, this virus has spread worldwide and continues to cause exponential causalities. Main body This global catastrophic scenario calls for stringent measures to control COVID-19 infection. Thus herein, the respective authors have endeavored to review precautionary measures for nuclear medicine department, encompassing its personnel as well as the patients so that intradepartmental transmission can be prevented. This requires development and execution of a robust and dynamic plan elaborating the healthcare guidelines. Hence, our review paper covers the arena of nuclear medicine services in particular. Conclusion Nuclear medicine can play its role in mitigating COVID-19 transmission to personnel and patients if provided with ample PPEs and guidelines are strictly followed. With implementing SOPs (standard operating procedures) based on these guidelines, nuclear medicine facilities will be better prepared for impromptu actions in case of any future outbreak while retaining the smooth flow of obligatory healthcare services.

Incidental radiological findings suggestive of COVID-19 in asymptomatic patients

“…Oncology patients are a very special group of because of their high vulnerability to infections caused by risk factors due to their impaired immune systems, such as leukopenia, long-lasting immunosuppression (steroids, antibodies), or low immunoglobulin levels[ 63 ]. Oncology patients infected with COVID-19 may present as asymptomatic or with nonspecific symptoms, like fever, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, myalgia, and headache[ 49 , 64 ]. Also, because oncology patients need to continue their treatment, especially in newly discovered cases or patients receiving their treatment as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other forms, the benefit: risk ratio of cancer treatment may need to be reconsidered in certain patients[ 49 , 65 , 66 ].…”

“…Oncology patients infected with COVID-19 may present as asymptomatic or with nonspecific symptoms, like fever, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, myalgia, and headache[ 49 , 64 ]. Also, because oncology patients need to continue their treatment, especially in newly discovered cases or patients receiving their treatment as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other forms, the benefit: risk ratio of cancer treatment may need to be reconsidered in certain patients[ 49 , 65 , 66 ]. Some reports are describing the accidentally discovered COVID-19 signs in different imaging modalities performed within the context of following cancer patients.…”