SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) can lead to rapidly progressive ARDS as shown in this case. The prognosis is poor and radiologic findings can go from ill-defined alveolar consolidations to bilateral consolidations with panlobar changes as seen in ARDS.

Radiographic and computed tomography (CT) imaging early in the disease course may be normal; chest CT has been described as more sensitive than chest x-ray for the detection of characteristic bilateral, peripherally-predominant ground-glass opacities. However, the patient's clinical situation often does not allow a CT scan.