CT Manifestations of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Since December 2019, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus has impacted nearly >90,000 people in more than 75 countries. In this case report, we aim to define the chest computed tomography findings of 2019-novel coronavirus associated with pneumonia and its successful resolution after treatment.

Case report: A fifty-year-old female patient, who is a businesswoman, presented with chief complaints of “fever for one week, diarrhea, anorexia, and asthenia.” Initially, she was given Tamiflu. The influenza A virus serology was negative. Three days later, levofloxacin was started because the patient’s symptoms did not improve. The novel coronavirus nucleic acid test was negative. It was noted that before the onset of the disease, the patient went to Wuhan on a business trip. Despite the given treatment, her body temperature rose to 39.2°C and she was referred to our clinic for further evaluation. Then, chest computed tomography was performed and showed bilateral multifocal ground glass opacities with consolidation which suggested viral pneumonia as a differential diagnosis, and the subsequent 2019-novel coronavirus pneumonia nucleic acid test was positive.

Conclusion: Chest computed tomography offers fast and convenient evaluation of patients with suspected 2019-novel coronavirus pneumonia.

Keywords: influenza; novel coronavirus pneumonia; pulmonary complications; Computed Tomography; diagnosis.

Figure 1

Initial admission chest X-ray shows increased and thickened right lower lung markings, suggesting bronchitis and interstitial pneumonia.

Figure 2

a., b. CT images reveal multifocal ground glass opacities with consolidation related with 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). c. The infection foci of both lungs were absorbed and disappeared.