Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 12, 2020

CT Scans Obtained for Nonpulmonary Indications: Associated Respiratory Findings of COVID-19

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  • As non-pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 are being increasingly recognized, Hossain et al. evaluated the extent to which non-chest (abdomen/pelvis or cervical spine/neck) CT scans in patients with gastrointestinal or neurological symptoms detected findings highly suspicious for pulmonary COVID-19. Among 62 patients with suspected COVID-19 on presentation, non-chest CT findings provided the initial evidence of COVID-19 related pneumonia in 52% of patients. Among 57 patients without suspected COVID-19 at presentation, this figure was 77%. Patients who received cervical spine/neck (those with neurological presentation) CT had worse outcomes than those who received abdominal/pelvic CT. 

Hossain et al. (May 11, 2020). CT Scans Obtained for Nonpulmonary Indications: Associated Respiratory Findings of COVID-19. Radiology. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.2020201743