COVID-19 pneumonia

Q: What is the laboratory test for the diagnosis of COVID-19? show answer

A: The laboratory test for COVID-19 is the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.

Q: Which are the ancillary laboratory findings of COVID-19? show answer

A: The most common ancillary laboratory findings are lymphopenia, increased prothrombin time (PT), and increased lactate dehydrogenase. Mild elevations of inflammatory markers (CRP and ESR) and also D-dimer.

Q: Which is usually the first-line imaging modality used for patients with suspected COVID-19? show answer

A: Chest radiography is the first-line imaging modality used for patients with suspected COVID-19.

Q: May chest radiograph be normal in patients with COVID-19? show answer

A: Yes, chest radiographs may be normal in early or mild disease.

Q: When are findings of chest radiographs most extensive? show answer

A: Chest radiographs are of little diagnostic value in the early stages of COVID-19. Chest radiographs are most useful in the intermediate to advanced stages of the disease, when it may show features of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Findings are most extensive about 10-12 days after symptom onset.

Q: What are the most frequent findings of COVID-19 on chest radiographs? show answer

A: The most frequent findings are airspace opacities, which may be consolidations or, less commonly ground-glass opacities. The distribution is most often bilateral, peripheral, and lower zone predominant. Pleural effusion is rare.