Radiological findings in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 has imposed a challenge for health services, from an economic and social point of view. The role of chest radiography has been fundamental in the management of these patients. Objective: To characterize the most frequent radiological findings in patients confirmed to COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in 859 admitted patients, confirmed to COVID-19, who presented radiological lesions during their hospital stay; chest X-rays were taken on admission and during evolution, according to the protocol of care in force at the time of the study. The variables used were: age, biological sex, severity of the radiological picture, radiological pattern and location of the lesions. Results: Adults (65.7%), males (60.4%), were more frequent; moderate severity lesions predominated (51.6%); only 17.4% evolved to severe radiological forms. 64.8% showed mixed radiological pattern; with higher frequency in bilateral (89.9%), peripheral/subpleural (66.7%) and in lower fields (90.9%). Conclusions: Radiological findings are characterized by presenting lesions of moderate severity, with mixed pattern, in bilateral, peripheral/subpleural and in inferior fields locations.