A typical computed tomography presentations of coronavirus disease 2019

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the atypical computed tomography (CT) presentations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients to comprehensively understand this highly infectious disease.

Methods: The clinical and chest CT imaging data of 16 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed, and patients with atypical CT presentations were selected for analysis and review.

Results: Of the 16 patients, 6 had atypical CT presentations, including 2 with faint ground glass opacities, 2 with single nodule, 1 with predominantly linear opacities, and 1 with predominantly reticular opacities. The dynamic changes of CT showed the faint ground glass opacities gradually became weak (2 cases). The scope of the single nodule was enlarged, and it developed into consolidation and residual fibrosis (2 cases). There was no obvious change of linear opacity (1 case). The reticular opacities were enlarged, then partially absorbed and new developed ground-glass opacities were found. Finally, the lesions were absorbed with residual fibrosis (1 case).

Conclusion: Atypical CT presentations of COVID-19 can be classified as faint ground glass opacities, single nodule, linear opacities, and reticular opacities. Understanding the atypical presentation of COVID-19 is beneficial in the assessment and epidemic prevention and control of this disease.