Recommendations of the Thoracic Imaging Section of the German Radiological Society for clinical application of chest imaging and structured CT reporting in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This information provided by the Thoracic Imaging Section of the German Radiological Society is intended to give physicians recommendations on the use of thoracic imaging procedures in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic. It represents the consensus of the authors based on the previous scientific knowledge and is intended to provide guidance for unified, structured CT reporting if COVID-19 pneumonia is suspected. The recommendations presented correspond to state of knowledge at the time of print and will be updated according to the results of ongoing and future scientific studies.

Key Points:

• COVID-19

• chest imaging

• German Radiological Society

Citation Format

• Vogel-Claussen J, Ley-Zaporozhan J, Agarwal P et al. Recommendations of the Thoracic Imaging Section of the German Radiological Society for clinical application of chest imaging and structured CT reporting in the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2020; DOI: 10.1055/a-1174-8378

Key words

lung - COVID-19 - imaging - German Radiological Society

Introduction

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading worldwide. Germany is also significantly affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with currently over 157 000 confirmed cases and 6115 deaths (as of April 29, 2020, Robert Koch Institute (RKI)).

At present, the only way to limit the spread of the virus is through far-reaching contact restrictions with drastic consequences for public life and the economy, thus early detection of those infected plays a decisive role in limiting the disease. Unfortunately, with a median incubation period of 5–6 days (1–14 days), carriers of the disease are already infectious before developing clinical symptoms. The definitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 is performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of samples from the upper or lower respiratory tract [1]. However, the PCR may be negative in the early stages of the disease, as the sensitivity of the test depends on the local viral load, the quality of the sample and the location of the swab. False-negative test results promote further spread of the disease in the case of infection. In case of negative PCR and persistent clinical suspicion of COVID-19, serial PCR tests are therefore the method of choice [2]. However, experience from China shows that with a negative PCR test and typical clinical symptoms, a chest CT can show pneumonic lesions in the early stages of the disease which are suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia [3] [4].

The role of imaging in COVID-19 is intensively discussed worldwide, especially since the body of data is developing dynamically with the duration and extent of the pandemic [3] [5] [6] [7].

This statement of the Thoracic Imaging Section of the German Radiological Society outlines the current scientific findings on imaging for COVID-19, and proposes a recommendation for imaging and uniform structured CT reporting for COVID-19. The preparation of radiology departments for COVID-19 and hygiene measures have already been published and are not the subject of this communication [8] [9].

Current Scientific Background

Sensitivity and Specificity of Chest CT

• Retrospective case series with 51 patients in China:
  In patients from endemic areas and with clinical symptoms, the PCR was initially negative in 29 % of cases (15/51). In 98 % of cases, CT was positive (50/51) and negative in one PCR-positive case [4].

• Retrospective case series with 1014 patients in China:
  In patients with negative PCR, the chest CT was positive in 75 % (308/413) of cases. After analysis of serial PCR tests, the mean interval between initial negative and positive PCR results was 5.1 ± 1.5 days. The positive rates of the initial PCR test and chest CT imaging in this cohort were 59 % (601/1014) and 88 % (888/1014) for the diagnosis of patients with suspected COVID-19 [3].

• Retrospective case series with 158 patients in Italy:
  In 61 % of cases (96/158) the PCR was initially negative; in 42 of these 96 cases (44 %) the CT was positive. The sensitivity of the CT was 97 %, the specificity 56 % [10].

• Retrospective case series with 81 patients in Wuhan:
  COVID-19 pneumonia was detectable in chest CT even in asymptomatic patients [11].

• Meta-analysis of COVID-19:
  For the thoracic CT, the averaged sensitivity was 94 % and the averaged specificity 37 %. The sensitivity of PCR was 89 %, thus test performance was strongly dependent on prevalence. In Germany with an assumed prevalence of 5.7 %, the calculated positive predictive value was 8.3 % for CT and 84.3 % for PCR; the negative predictive value was 99 % for CT and 99.3 % for PCR [12].

• Differentiation of COVID-19 from other viral pneumonia in CT:

  In a retrospective CT case series, three Chinese radiologists achieved sensitivities of 72 %, 72 % and 94 % and specificities of 94 %, 88 % and 24 % in distinguishing 219 cases of COVID-19 from 205 cases of non-COVID-19 viral pneumonia [13].

• Artificial intelligence support of radiology:

  In a retrospective CT case series comprising patients with viral pneumonia (n = 1186, of which were COVID-19 positive n = 521), radiologists achieved a higher average accuracy (90 % vs. 85 %, p < 0.001), sensitivity (88 % vs. 79 %, p < 0.001) and specificity (91 % vs. 88 %, p = 0.001) to distinguish COVID-19 from other pneumonia when the data were additionally evaluated using artificial intelligence [14].

Potential Prognostic Value of Computed Tomography

• Retrospective case series with 236 patients in Italy:

  After adjustment of patient demography and clinical parameters, a well-ventilated lung parenchyma of less than 73 % in CT at hospital admission was significantly associated with later admission to intensive care or death (OR 5.4, p < 0.001) [14].

Morphology of COVID-19 Pneumonia on Chest CT

Taking into account the available literature [7] [11] [15] [16] [17] [18], it appears useful for further clinical management to divide patients with symptoms of an acute respiratory infection during the pandemic into the following 4 groups based on CT morphology ([Table 1]):

Table 1 Categorizing CT changes during the COVID-19 pandemic based on recommendations of the Thoracic Imaging Section of the German Radiological Society.

category	CT changes	radiological reporting template
1. CT changes suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia (with high local prevalence and/or individual pre-test probability)	a. early dominant ground glass opacities b. later dominant “crazy paving”/consolidation c. signs of organizing pneumonia (e. g. arcade-like consolidation/ground glass opacity, reversed halo sign) d. peripheral and posterior predominance e. round or geographically configured f. bilateral, multifocal g. intralesionally expanded vessels h. absent mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy	CT changes consistent with viral pneumonia with mild, moderate, severe extent. With high individual pretest probability suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia. [Cov19Typ]
2. CT changes indeterminate, COVID-19 pneumonia possible	a. ground glass/“crazy paving”/consolidation distributed differently than specified in Category 1 “CT changes suggestive of COVID-19” b. central emphasis e. non-round or non-geographically configured	CT changes consistent with viral pneumonia with mild, moderate, severe extent. With high individual pretest probability COVID-19 pneumonia possible, but CT changes not characteristic. [Cov19Ind]
3. CT changes suggestive of an alternative diagnosis (e. g. bacterial pathogen spectrum)	a. nodules b. “tree-in-bud” c. peribronchial opacities d. lobular/segmental consolidation e. caverns f. bronchial wall thickening g. mucus plugging h. pleural effusion	CT changes of lung parenchyma consistent with (alternative diagnosis). CT changes without indication of COVID-19 pneumonia. [Cov19Aty]
4. no evidence of pneumonic opacities on CT	–	no evidence of pneumonic opacities on CT, thus currently no evidence of COVID-19 pneumonia. [Cov19Neg]

CT groups

1. Suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia

2. Indeterminate: corresponds to viral pneumonia; COVID-19 possible during high prevalence

3. Suggestive of alternative diagnosis

4. No evidence of pneumonic opacities

Group 1: CT changes suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia

COVID-19 pneumonia most commonly manifests itself in the form of ground glass opacities, followed by a mixed picture of ground glass opacities and consolidations. Likewise, crazy paving (ground glass opacity overlaid by smoothly bordered reticulations) can be present, especially in late stages of the disease. A positive air bronchogram is typical. Numerous studies describe dilation of the pulmonary vessels within the lesion or perilesionally. In some cases the halo sign (central consolidation with surrounding ground glass) and the reversed halo sign (central ground glass with surrounding consolidation) were observed. The lesions are bilateral and multifocal. They favor the middle and lower lungs and periphery of the lungs, especially the posterior portions. The lesions are patchy, round or geographically shaped. A band-like configuration may predominate in the recovery phase ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 CT changes suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia Computed tomography of a 61-year-old male patient with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection exhibits several peripheral and dorsally predominant bilateral consolidations and ground glass-opacities in the lung (axial a and coronal plane b).

Group 2: CT changes indeterminate, COVID-19 is possible

These patients also have ground glass opacities, crazy paving, consolidations or a mixed picture. The borders, configuration and distribution of the lesions do not meet the criteria of the Group 1 patients. If the clinical symptoms are appropriate, this CT image primarily suggests a viral pneumonia, although no statement can be made about the pathogen. COVID-19 pneumonia is possible ([Fig. 2], [3]).

Fig. 2 CT changes indeterminate, COVID-19 is possible. 55-year-old female patient with bronchial carcinoma of the left inferior lobe (not shown) and pleural effusion on the left side in known pleural carcinosis. The patient presented herself to the emergency room due to a malaise that had existed for one day. Laboratory chemistry showed increased D-dimers, which led to the suspicion of a pulmonary embolism. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography shows bilateral centrally accentuated ground glass opacity and slight thickening of the interlobular septa (axial a and coronal plane b). Pulmonary embolism was not apparent. RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19.

Fig. 3 CT changes indeterminate, COVID-19 is possible. 56-year-old male patient intubated and ventilated due to clinical ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and pneumonia of unknown origin. The chest CT shows dorsally pronounced, central and peripherally extended consolidations and ground glass-opacities as well as incidental pneumomediastinum and air inclusions in the thoracic wall (axial a and coronal plane b). Laboratory chemistry revealed influenza A virus H1N1 pneumonia.

Group 3: CT changes suggestive of an alternative diagnosis

Patients in Group 3 have indications that have never or only rarely been described in COVID-19 pneumonia, including nodules, “tree-in-bud” sign, caverns, bronchial wall thickening and mucus plugging. Pleural effusions or lymphadenopathy rarely occur. With related symptoms, a differential diagnosis can be pneumonia due to another pathogen, but also a superinfection ([Fig. 4]).

Fig. 4 CT changes suggestive of an alternative diagnosis (e. g. bacterial pathogen spectrum). Computed tomography of a 41-year-old male patient shows consolidation in the right superior lobe with central cavitation with streptococcus pyogenes pneumonia (axial a and coronal plane b). PCR for COVID-19 negative.

The Role of Imaging during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The findings in COVID-19 on chest radiography and CT are not specific and can also occur in other viral pneumonia [19].

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, CT and chest radiography make a decisive contribution to the clinical management of the disease: the evaluation of the initial extent of the disease, the diagnosis of pneumonia-associated complications and the progression assessment in severe cases. CT can contribute to the interdisciplinary evaluation of individual prognosis. Chest radiography and CT are therefore typically used not as a screening test but for the clinical evaluation of patients with respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea and oxygen desaturation. The indication is not only based on the severity of the disease but also on the clinical relevance for the further management of the individual patient.

For patients in intensive care units, a mobile radiograph can be taken to assess the severity of the illness and to monitor the course of the disease if clinically indicated. Daily monitoring with chest radiography is not recommended [6]. For intensive care patients with COVID-19 and clinical indication, an ultrasound examination can also be helpful in assessing the course of the disease, e. g. pleural effusions, consolidation or atelectasis [20].

Taking into account the current state of knowledge, imaging within the framework of the COVID-19 pandemic fulfills 5 core tasks:

1. Support of diagnosis

As noted above, CT changes are not specific for the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, but can be suggestive.

Based on CT changes suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia, a suspected diagnosis can be made in the presence of: 1. appropriate clinical symptoms, 2. negative PCR test, 3. high individual pre-test probability with high local prevalence of SARS-Cov-2, and 4. clinical indication in patients with pronounced symptoms requiring hospitalization. However, the diagnosis has to be confirmed by a series of PCR tests. A negative CT-based diagnosis does not rule out COVID-19. Initial results demonstrating that artificial intelligence supports the radiologist in making a tentative diagnosis are promising, but they need to be further developed and tested in larger prospective multicenter studies.

2. Assessment of the severity of lung parenchyma changes and monitoring

CT allows a reliable assessment of the initial extent of the disease. CT and chest radiography allow an assessment of the course of the disease to support clinical evaluation. Imaging can thus contribute to an interdisciplinary analysis to assess the individual prognosis of patients.

3. Detection of complications

Chest radiography and CT in particular can detect complications. In addition to superinfection, thrombotic and embolic events should be particularly mentioned, since COVID-19 can obviously lead to hypercoagulopathy [21] [22]. Such complications should be treated with intravenous contrast, and a low-dose CT strategy should be abandoned.

4. Detection of “incidental” COVID-19 pneumonia

Findings suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia found in a thoracic CT performed for another indication must be recognized by the radiologist and immediately reported to the referring physician. The diagnosis has to be then confirmed by a PCR test.

5. Triage in an environment with limited resources

In a publication of the international Fleischner Society describing the use of imaging in different clinical scenarios, imaging is also discussed as a triage procedure when high case numbers and limited availability of virological tests leave no other choice [6]. However, such a scenario seems rather unlikely in Germany at present, given declining infection numbers and sufficient PCR test capacity.

Structured CT Reporting when COVID-19 is suspected

CT examinations in suspected cases of COVID-19 should be performed as non-contrast thin-slice CT with a low-dose protocol, unless further differential diagnoses indicate the administration of contrast. The radiological findings should be categorized into four groups as follows ([Table 1]):

1. CT changes suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia (with high local prevalence and/or individual pre-test probability) [Cov19typ]

2. CT changes indeterminate, COVID-19 pneumonia is possible [Cov19Ind]

3. CT changes suggestive of an alternative diagnosis (e. g. bacterial pathogen spectrum) [Cov19Aty]

4. No indication of pneumonic lesions on CT [Cov19Neg]

This classification as well as the corresponding formulations in the structured reporting template ([Fig. 5]) were prepared by the Board of the Thoracic Imaging Section of the German Radiological Society in cooperation with colleagues from the University Hospitals of Freiburg and Cologne, and according to expert opinion, best reflect the validity of CT when COVID-19 is suspected. It is largely congruent with the recommendations of the RSNA [7]. Only in category 3 was an alternative CT diagnosis emphasized and not the “atypical COVID 19 pattern”, in order to make it clear to the referring physicians that the radiologist sees a different diagnosis here than COVID-19 pneumonia (e. g. bacterial lobar pneumonia).

Fig. 5 Structured reporting based on native CT in patients with suspected COVID-19 according to the recommendation of the Thoracic Imaging Section of the German Radiological Society.

The image data collected worldwide as a result of the pandemic is being collected and networked both nationally and internationally in various databases in order to gain important new knowledge needed for COVID-19 but also for possible future virus pandemics. In order to facilitate data searches and the networking of image data with the corresponding findings internationally, the [Cov19] coding according to RSNA recommendations was integrated into the assessment of the structured reporting template [7]. The assessment of the extent of pneumonic lesions appears to be prognostically important. However, a mandatory quantitative evaluation in clinical routine was not carried out, as the added value is currently not scientifically proven [23]. In addition to the evaluation of pneumonia, the structured reporting of e. g. cardiopulmonary comorbidities on the non-contrast chest CT is important, which is helpful for the clinical interdisciplinary evaluation of the patient.

Summary and Outlook

These recommendations of the Thoracic Imaging Section of the German Radiological Society are based on the current state of knowledge at the time of writing on 29 April 2020 and are intended to provide physicians with guidance on the use of chest imaging in the current COVID-19 pandemic. It represents the current status in a highly dynamic environment and is likely to undergo repeated adjustments in the further course of time.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

^* Präsident, Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft, Berlin, Deutschland.

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Publication History

Received: 29 April 2020

Accepted: 05 May 2020

Article published online:
26 May 2020