CT evaluation of lung infiltrates in the two months preceding the Coronavirus disease 19 pandemic in Canton Ticino (Switzerland)
were there suspicious cases before the official first case?
Additional information
Authors
Rizzo S. M. R.,
Catanese C.,
Puligheddu C.,
Epistolio S.,
Ramelli G.,
Frattini M.,
Pereira Mestre R.,
Nadarajah N.,
Rezzonico E.,
Magoga F.,
Milan L.,
Del Grande F.,
Giovanella L.,
Ceriani L.
Type
Journal Article
Year
2022
Language
English
Abstract
Purpose: The main objective of this study was to assess the presence of pulmonary infltrates with computed tomography (CT) appearance compatible with infection by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in Canton Ticino in the 2 months preceding the frst ofcial case. Secondary aims were to compare the classifcation of infltrates in the same time frame in 2020 and 2019; to compare the number of chest CT scans in the same period; to search for pathological confrmation of the virus. Materials and methods: Chest CT scans performed between January 1 and February 24 in 2019 and 2020 were collected and classifed by COVID-19 Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS). Pathological presence of the virus was searched for when appropriate material was available. Results: The fnal cohort included 881 patients. Among the CO-RADS 3 and 4 categories, 30 patients had pneumonitis of unknown etiology. Pathological specimens were available in six patients but they were negative for COVID-19. Conclusion: Before the frst ofcial case of COVID-19 infection, in Canton Ticino there were about 30 cases of pneumonitis of uncertain origin, with CT appearance compatible with infection by COVID-19, but with no confrmation of the disease. The number of chest CT scans in the frst two months of 2020 was >12% compared to 2019.
Keywords
Pandemic, COVID-19, Computed tomography, Canton Ticino
Journal
La radiologia medica
Volume
127
Pages (or article number)
360–368
Diffusion
License
CC BY
Visibility
Public
Status open access
Hybrid
