Keywords
Coronavirus disease 2019 - oncoradiology - personal protection - preparedness
Introduction
At the time of writing this article, more than 18 million people worldwide have been
infected by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)
and about 700,000 people have died from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In India,
about 190,000 people have been infected and nearly 39,000 people have succumbed to
this infection. Our hospital is in the eastern outskirts of Kolkata in a red zone
or “hotspot” designated in the state of West Bengal, by the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India. Our hospital has a COVID working group
since February 2020, which determines the hospital standard of practice in the management
of COVID-19. Currently, we are performing in-house reverse transcription-polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for SARS-CoV-2 and rapid respiratory virus detection
panel.
The Indian health-care system has unique challenges in this pandemic with a large
patient population, a relatively small number of health-care workers, and a shortage
of essential equipment such as protective gear and testing kits. Limited resources
in many centers do not allow setting up of separate hospital section for COVID patients.
Cancer is a public health problem in India, with almost 8.3% of deaths being attributed
to cancer.[1] Therefore, continuing cancer care is critical to the Indian health system.
The purpose of this article is to describe the measures taken by the department of
oncoradiology to control the infection and minimize staff exposure, both during the
current lockdown period with reduced patient load and postlockdown period with increased
demand for radiology services. We have also discussed algorithms and protocols unique
to the practice of oncoradiology in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special Consideration for Radiology
Special Consideration for Radiology
Imaging is ordered in a RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patient when there are moderate-to-severe
symptoms at diagnosis or there is progression of symptoms during the course of illness.
Imaging may also be considered in patients with a high clinical suspicion of COVID-19
with moderate-to-severe symptoms and a negative RT-PCR.[2] Because these investigations (portable radiography and high-resolution computed
tomography of chest) require patient contact, it puts radiology staff at a high risk
of infection. Fellows and consultants working in ultrasound and interventional radiology
units are also susceptible to the high-risk exposure. An ultrasound examination is
comparable to an outpatient examination, while interventional procedures may be comparable
to a minor operative procedure.
Furthermore in the radiology department, a significant number of frontline workers
are not physicians or nurses but radiology technologists, housekeeping staff, and
health-care assistants, who do not have adequate training in infection control measures.
We must delicately and proactively manage these vulnerable and valuable human resources.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Virus
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Virus
The presymptomatic stage of COVID-19 can last up to 14 days. The WHO has suggested
that infection transmission may occur in the presymptomatic stage of the disease.[3] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA, has suggested the implementation
of source control measures for every person entering a health-care facility, regardless
of their symptoms.[4] Therefore, we have implemented source control measures for every patient and health-care
worker with the policy that “anybody can be a potential source of infection.”
COVID-19 spreads by respiratory droplets which usually do not travel beyond 1–2 m
from the patient. There is no clinical evidence that suggests airborne spread in COVID-19
in the absence of aerosol-generating procedures (AGP).[5] Therefore, the WHO continues to recommend droplet precaution in the absence of AGPs.[5] Surgical three-ply masks offer enough protection against respiratory droplets (5–10
μ). N95/FFP3 masks are required in cases where an AGP is being performed. AGP is rare
in diagnostic radiology, however, some interventional radiology procedures such as
nasojejunal tube insertion are AGP.
Health-care professionals are particularly susceptible to infection. Health-care workers
represented 4% of all cases in Wuhan and 13% of all cases in Spain.[6] Health-care workers also transmit the disease to the community. A UK estimate on
April 17, 2020, suggests that about one-third of cases are related to health-care
workers.[7] Health-care facilities can also be points of infection spread and source of onward
transmission. A retrospective analysis from Wuhan, China, suggested that a hospital-associated
transmission was suspected in up to 41% of cases.[8] Therefore, it is crucial to have a written protocol for radiology departments not
only to protect radiology staff but also to limit disease spread in hospital settings.
Triaging of Oncoradiology Services – Optimum Recommendation
Triaging of Oncoradiology Services – Optimum Recommendation
With the national lockdown in place, demand for the radiology services has reduced.
However, we expect the demand for imaging to increase significantly once the lockdown
is eased or lifted. A system of triage is necessary to provide quick services to those
who need it the most while maintaining social distancing in the waiting area and departmental
infection control practices.[9]
Radiological investigations are classified in three broad categories in oncology practice.
Screening procedure for early detection
Screening procedures that require clinical visits, such as mammography, can be postponed
during this pandemic. To our knowledge, there is no recommendation from any professional
body or society about the maximum permissible interval before screening can be resumed.
Staging of newly diagnosed cancer patients
Treatment may be postponed for any low-grade malignancy (low-grade sarcoma) or incidental
findings or small tumor (such as subcentimeter renal tumor) without any aggressive
biology. Hence, imaging for staging of these diseases may be put on hold.[10] Where immediate treatment is warranted, minimum imaging for primary tumor and symptom-directed
screening for metastatic sites should be carried out. Invasive staging procedure,
such as mediastinal staging in lung cancer, can be done during the time of definitive
surgery if contemplated.
Surveillance and follow-up imaging
Surveillance and follow-up imaging should be deferred in patients with low risk of
recurrence and where there is no effective subsequent line of treatment. The follow-up
interval can be increased to the longest recommended frequency if feasible and telephonic
consultation for follow-up is done.[10]
General Department Planning
General Department Planning
Screening of patients
At the main reception, patients and their attendants are being screened for fever
(with thermal scanning) and other symptoms of COVID-19 by trained nursing staff and
health assistants. Both the patients and their relatives are screened, and masks and
handrub are provided when patients do not have these in their possession. A history
of international travel is taken. Suspected cases are being isolated in the isolation
area at the emergency department and being screened by the on-call doctor of the respective
subspecialty department. If their symptoms still cannot be explained by the primary
neoplastic condition, these patients are being transferred to the isolation ward through
a predetermined secure route. A swab is taken in the isolation room and sent for RT-PCR.
All other patients are considered nonsuspect for COVID and they are sent to the respective
subspecialty departments.
General disinfection practices
-
The disinfection practices for different rooms and areas are summarized in [Table 1]
-
Specific imaging protocols for suspected and known COVID-19 patients are described
later
-
All patients and patients' relatives should be wearing a mask of some form covering
the nasal bridge to the chin as per the current government recommendation, however,
a surgical mask is preferred. Respirators are discouraged
-
The main door to the reception area is handled by a single security personnel.
Table 1
General disinfection protocol
|
Area
|
Disinfectant
|
Frequency
|
|
*We have stopped using linen on patient table (CT and ultrasound) and using a plastic
sheet instead that is being discarded after each patient in a closed lid container.
CT – Computed tomography
|
|
Patient table*
|
Bacillol 25
|
After each patient
|
|
Floor and wall
|
1% sodium hypochlorite
|
4 hourly
|
|
Doorknobs/
|
70% isopropyl alcohol
|
As frequently as
|
|
handles
|
|
possible
|
|
Ultrasound probe
|
Bacillol 25
|
After each patient
|
|
X-ray detector
|
Bacillol 25
|
After each patient
|
Crowd control
-
Entry to the hospital is restricted to one relative per patient
-
The waiting area is rearranged to include fewer chairs so that there is an adequate
physical distance between patients and the patients face away from each other
-
The reception desk is cordoned off to maintain at least 1-m distance between the reception
desk clerk and patient.
Employee education and training
Regular training and debriefing of employees are carried out in key areas:
-
Proper use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
-
Effective communication of problem areas within the department. Physical distancing
is being encouraged for such communication, such as phone calls to replace in-person
discussion as much as possible
-
Proper respiratory etiquette (e.g., always cough or sneeze in a tissue or sleeve of
shirt)
-
Proper personal hygiene (e.g., men should be clean-shaven for proper fitting of mask)Not
to carry personal belongings (laptops, large bags) if it can be avoided
-
Mobile phone handling is to be kept at a minimum and should be done using a plastic
cover while on duty
-
Immediately after reaching home, soak and wash clothes in soapy water and take a bath
-
Report any illness at the earliest.
Simple diagrams are distributed electronically among employees regarding infection
control [Figure 1].
Figure 2: Personal protective equipment. (a) High-risk personal protective equipment.
(b) Moderate-risk personal protective equipment. (c) Low-risk personal protective
equipment. N95 mask is not mandatory in moderaterisk and low-risk personal protective
equipment (except in prolonged procedures in moderate-risk areas)
Implementation of “Code Green”
For a smooth transfer of patients, who are known or suspected to have COVID-19, we
have implanted a new emergency announcement called “Code Green.” Whenever such patients
require transport to and from any clinical department, including radiology, a “code
green” is announced. This mobilizes the COVID transport team which includes housekeeping
and security personnel who coordinate informing the primary referring physician, formation
of a secure corridor for transfer, and sanitization of the points of contact after
the transfer.
General administration
The department of radiology is proactively plugged into the COVID action group of
the hospital. A daily critical review of literature is done and regular updates on
hospital status are being shared through media platforms such as the departmental
WhatsApp group. Daily walkabout and audits are conducted to ensure that infection
control measures are properly and consistently practiced.
Staggered rotation among employees
Staggered rotation is implemented because of the following two reasons.[11]
-
Restriction of staff exposure to avoid mass quarantine or sickness, which further
limits workforce
-
Limited in-house accommodation for staff in the time of severely restricted public
transport during the lockdown.
Employees (consisting of radiologists, technologists, nurses, chaperones, reception
desk assistants, and housekeeping) are divided into two to three groups depending
on workforce. These groups are rotated so that each group can get 7 days of paid leave
between rotations. We do not currently have staff members in the frontline who have
a high risk of COVID-related illness; however, we recommend that such people should
avoid moderate- to high-risk duties. Hospital buses are arranged for transport of
staff during the lockdown period who cannot be accommodated or put in staggered rotation.
Contact tracing
After every new positive RT-PCR test is reported from our virology laboratory, the
central command of the hospital implements active contact tracing among the staff.
In radiology, contact tracing is carried out by reviewing the records for any radiology
investigations performed on these patients within the past 14 days and each staff
who is involved in such procedures is inquired about their symptoms and PPE use during
that procedure.
Quarantine policy
The quarantine policy at our institute is as follows (for non-AGP only):
High-risk exposure
High-risk exposure is defined by contact >15 min within 1 m of the patient without
a moderate- or high-risk PPE (minimum PPE to be worn for the patient encounter are
N95 mask and face shield/goggles as per the institution policy). The staff will be
quarantined for 14 days. The staff joins back on day 15 after an RT-PCR test comes
negative on day 14. Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis is offered.[12]
Low-risk exposure
It is defined by patient contact within 1 m for <15 min and without appropriate PPE.
Symptoms are monitored without quarantine. Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis is offered.
Any patient contact from a distance of >1 m or while using recommended PPE is not
considered an exposure and no further action is taken.
Staff who are positive for SARS-CoV-2 are treated according to the current government
guidelines.
Educational activities
-
All departmental seminars are conducted over web-based video collaboration platforms
(Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, etc.)
-
All students and observers are sent on leave for the time being.
Risk Estimation and Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment [Figure 2]
Risk Estimation and Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment [Figure 2]
Figure 2: Personal protective equipment. (a) High-risk personal protective equipment.
(b) Moderate-risk personal protective equipment. (c) Low-risk personal protective
equipment. N95 mask is not mandatory in moderaterisk and low-risk personal protective
equipment (except in prolonged procedures in moderate-risk areas
We have divided our staff into three risk strata based on their risk of significant
contact with the SARS-CoV-2-positive patient. Significant contact is defined as a
person spending >15 min within 1 m of a suspected or confirmed COVID patient without
adequate personal protection.[3] Risk stratification helps in the judicial use of PPE. People working in different
risk areas should not be intermingling as much as possible.
High-risk areas
-
Radiographers performing portable radiography in an isolation ward
-
Doctors performing portable ultrasound in an isolation ward
-
Doctors performing image-guided procedures in an isolation ward or in a suspected/confirmed
COVID patient
-
Nurses attending image-guided procedures in an isolation ward or in a suspected/confirmed
COVID patient.
We are not performing computed tomography (CT) in known or suspected COVID patients
routinely. If CT is performed in such cases, radiographers are not entering the gantry,
and patients are being positioned either by themselves or by the accompanying isolation
ward staff. The CT table is adjusted remotely from the console afterwards.
Recommended PPE for the high-risk areas consist of:
-
Scrubs are mandatory
-
At least 70 g/m2, unwoven, coverall, disposable full-sleeved gownDisposable headcoverVisor
or face shield
-
Disposable double surgical gloves
-
N95 or FFP-2 mask. We are not using respirators
-
Disposable shoe cover. There is emerging evidence that a shoe cover is not necessary.[13] However, we are continuing its use in line with the hospital policy.
Proper donning and doffing procedures are being followed under supervision.
Moderate-risk area
-
Doctors performing ultrasound in general patients
-
Radiographers positioning general patients and performing barium procedures
-
CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT technologists
working inside the gantry in general patients
-
CT surveillance radiologist
-
Nurses, housekeeping, and chaperones working in ultrasound, CT, and MRI gantry
-
Housekeeping who are transporting patients and posted at moderate-risk area.
Recommended PPE for the moderate-risk areas consist of:
-
Scrubs/uniforms are mandatory
-
Full-sleeve gown (for radiographers and sonologists)
-
Disposable plastic apron covering the neck to knee
-
Disposable surgical capVisor or face shield, being reused after cleaning with soap
water and alcohol
-
Disposable double surgical gloves. Outer gloves are changed or sanitized between patients
-
N95 or FFP-2 masks. Instead of an N95 mask, a surgical mask may be acceptable.
Low-risk areas
-
Radiologists reporting from a separate workstation
-
CT/MR technologists working inside the console room
-
Reception desk clerks
-
Housekeeping who are posted outside a moderate-risk area.
Recommended PPE:
The MOHFW has recommended low-risk PPE for general radiology practice.[14] However, considering the variable risk of exposure within the department, we have
escalated the PPE requirement accordingly.
Optimal use of N95 mask
Use of N95/FFP2 mask is mandatory in two areas:
Standard three-layered surgical masks with laces (not elastic string) may be sufficient
in all other areas. Routine use of N95 mask has two drawbacks:
-
Prolonged use of N95 masks (>4–6 h) with full aseptic precaution is not practical
as it causes extreme discomfort to the wearer.[15],[16] We are, therefore, using it for short periods and short shifts. We understand that
most radiology departments in India do not have the workforce to rotate the staff
in 4-h shifts, especially with a staggered rotation in place. This makes routine use
of N95 masks difficult
-
N95 masks are in short supply. They are currently being reused as per protocols described
by the CDC and All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Each wearer has been provided
four sets of masks and they are asked to rotate the masks from day 1 to day 4. In
this way, the mask worn on day 1 is getting a “drying-off” time of 72 h before being
reused on day 5.
Furthermore, there is evidence that in routine outpatient and inpatient care, an N95
mask offers no extra protection to a viral infection such as influenza compared to
a surgical three-ply mask,[17],[18] especially if they are not fit tested. To our knowledge, most institutes in India
are not carrying out routine fit tests for N95 masks as there are limited resources
to do so.
Donning and doffing procedure
A detailed description of donning and doffing of high-risk PPE is beyond the scope
of our article. However, donning and doffing of the moderate- and low-risk PPE should
also be done properly. A basic algorithm to remember is wash-body-face-eye-hand. Before
donning the PPE, hand wash should be done for at least 20 s followed by wearing the
inner gloves and gown. Next, the mask and goggles are worn in that order. Finally,
the outer gloves are worn over the sleeve of the gown. The doffing is done in the
reverse order.[19] Hand washing is done at the end of the doffing procedure.
General Radiography and Mammography
-
Radiographers must wear moderate-risk PPE and patients must wear a disposable surgical
mask
-
Portable radiography for non-COVID wards is being considered a moderate-risk procedure.
We mandate an N95/FFP2 mask in such situations as patients often have symptoms such
as cough that may result in significant exposure. During portable radiography in the
general intensive care unit (ICU), an additional nondisposable surgical gown is being
provided to the radiographer as per our ICU policy. Standard precautions are being
followed and routine machine cleaning is being performed.
General Computed Tomography
General Computed Tomography
CT is the workhorse of most oncoradiology departments and cannot be scaled down. Standard
precautions need to be followed during the CT scan of every patient.
Minimal gantry work
Time spent inside the gantry should be kept to a minimum. Staff who are not wearing
a moderate-risk PPE should not be entering the CT gantry.
Radiologist for surveillance
One radiologist is constantly posted within the CT console who wears a moderate-risk
PPE. The duties of this person include:
-
Active monitoring of thoracic CT for features for COVID and early notification
-
Examination of patients who develop contrast reactions or any other clinical issue
-
The first response in case of a code blue.
We are in the process of obtaining a virtual console setup from Siemens (R), Erlangen,
Germany (Virtual cockpit) that will enable consultant radiologists to perform remote
surveillance in real time, even during night shifts.
General Ultrasound
Fever ultrasound
Patients who have some suspicious symptoms but are not eligible to be isolated as
per hospital policy are still examined with extra precaution in a separate room designated
“fever ultrasound.” Other than wearing a moderate-risk PPE, nurses and performing
radiologists do not leave this room frequently.
Routine ultrasound
In all other cases, the doctor and nurse wear moderate-risk PPE and use a fresh pair
of clean gloves for each patient. The examination must be optimal and brief. The use
of probe cover for each patient, although desirable, is not cost-effective.
General Magnetic Resonance Imaging
General Magnetic Resonance Imaging
In oncology, most MRI studies in a confirmed or suspected COVID patient can be deferred
or replaced by CT. In case of a possible stroke in a COVID patient, we perform a CT
head with perfusion, as necessary.
Metal strips over the nasal bridge in some masks may not be MRI compatible and should
be changed to a mask with a plastic strip before entering the MRI scanner. Tape may
be applied across the bridge of the nose to maintain a tight seal.
General Nuclear Medicine
Limitation of resources and deferral of services
-
Due to the closure of international borders, we cannot obtain99 mtechnetium and131
iodine-related radiopharmaceuticals. Therefore, major diagnostic procedures such as
radio-iodine scans or bone scans are not being performed. Radio-iodine ablation therapy
has been suspended since the last week of March
-
We have a limited supply of18fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) from local cyclotron operator,
therefore FDG-PET scan is scaled down to 3 days a week.68 Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen-PET and68 Ga-DOTA-PET are being performed, as we have our institutional gallium generator.
Infection control measures
Radiography for Confirmed/suspected Coronavirus Disease Patients in Isolation Ward
Radiography for Confirmed/suspected Coronavirus Disease Patients in Isolation Ward
Indication
A portable chest radiograph is the initial imaging of choice in a confirmed and symptomatic
COVID patient.
-
As baseline imaging. The Fleischner Society recommends that no imaging is needed in
the presence of mild symptoms unless there is a risk of progression.[20] However, in an oncology demographic such as ours, we consider every patient to be
at high risk of progression
-
To rule out alternative diagnoses such as lobar consolidation, pleural effusion, or
heart failure
-
Comparison with previous imaging. A new finding in a known patient may explain the
clinical features and unnecessary isolation may be avoided.
Logistics
One portable computed radiography (CR) machine is designated for the COVID-19 isolation
ward. Our isolation ward consists of six negative-pressure ventilation rooms. The
designated machine is stored outside the rooms within the ward which is in the second
building (henceforth phase 2) in our campus. We are performing radiographs in two
shifts and each shift is covered by two technologists. No technologist is posted within
the ward. We have designated two cassettes for COVID patients to restrict contamination.
Technique
Transportation of cassette to and from the image reader is being done with full aseptic
precaution. The cassette is first cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Then, the cassette
is put inside a clean plastic (yellow garbage bag) bag and a water-tight seal is obtained
with a surgical tape. The cassette is then taken to the isolation ward where it is
put inside a second plastic bag and sealed similarly. Radiographers carrying the cassette
are wearing moderate-risk PPE during transport. Before entering the isolation room,
one of the radiographers washes hands, dons the high-risk PPE, and takes the machine
inside the isolation room with the double-wrapped cassette. After the exposure, this
person transfers the cassette aseptically to the other radiographer in the antechamber
after opening the outer plastic cover. Then, it is immediately cleaned with alcohol.
The first radiographer brings the machine out in the antechamber and thoroughly cleans
it and doffs the PPE. The PPE is discarded safely in a closed bin.
During the entire process, the patient needs to be wearing an N95/FFP2 mask unless
being ventilated.
Computed Tomography for Confirmed/suspected Coronavirus Disease Patients in the Isolation
Ward
Computed Tomography for Confirmed/suspected Coronavirus Disease Patients in the Isolation
Ward
Department policy for computed tomography in coronavirus disease
-
CT is not used in the screening or diagnosis of COVID-19.[21],[22] A negative CT provides false reassurance and CT features described in COVID-19 are
nonspecific. We understand in certain high-risk regions in India that routine CT screening
of preoperative or indoor patients is being undertaken to limit transmission among
health-care workers. We did not find any evidence to support this practice. The American
College of Radiology and the Society of Thoracic Radiology and American Society of
Emergency Radiology have all advised against this practice in their position statements
-
Routine use of chest CT is not indicated even in symptomatic RT-PCR-positive patients
as the CT feature does not necessarily correlate with clinical course. CT is done
when there is a sudden or unexplained change in clinical course or worsening of respiratory
symptoms.[20] In such cases, a noncontrast high-resolution chest CT is necessary and sufficient
-
CT pulmonary angiography in COVID patients should be limited considering the low specificity
of raised D-dimer level in COVID patients and the requirement of high-flow contrast
dose.
Patient movement
-
CT scanner in Phase 2 building is designated for COVID-19 patients
-
A designated route is used for the transfer of confirmed COVID-19 patients from the
isolation ward to the CT room so that the route of the patient should not cross the
route of technologists and radiologists [Figure 3]
-
The technologist will not enter the gantry without a high-risk PPE. The patient will
be positioned by the attendant and the CT table will be remotely adjusted
-
During the entire process, the patient needs to be wearing an N95/FFP2 mask unless
ventilated.
Figure 4: Chest radiograph, postero-anterior view, of a coronavirus disease 2019 patient
with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Bilateral focal consolidations are noted (arrows)
Air-conditioning issues
-
There are concerns regarding the spread of the virus through the vents of the centralized
air-conditioning (AC) system. However, because the patient is wearing a mask or is
in a closed ventilation circuit, the risk of spread is minimal. Furthermore, there
is only limited laboratory evidence of airborne spread of SARS-CoV-2[5]
-
If any CT unit has an isolated air-handling unit (AHU), it may be advisable to switch
off the AC for the duration of the scan followed by a 60-min downtime. During this
period, a backup split AC may be used, if available
-
Our department has a common AHU for CT and MRI scanner; therefore, we are not switching
the AC off during the procedure to protect the MR scanner.
Postprocedure cleaning of surfaces
Interventional Radiology
Special consideration is needed for interventional radiology for two reasons:
Aerosol-generating procedure[23]
-
Nasogastric or nasojejunal tube insertion
-
Lung biopsy or any procedure on the lung, when complicated by hemoptysis or violent
coughing. However, lung biopsy is not an AGP per se.
Patient selection
Before elective procedures, we are now performing RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 along with
other routine serology. In case of emergency procedures that are prolonged, a swab
is being sent for RT-PCR and high-risk precautions are being taken for the procedure.
This is in accordance to the circular released by the Directorate of Health Services,
Government of West Bengal, on April 28, 2020.[24]
Personal protective equipment
In interventional AGP procedures, an N95 mask is being used with a moderate-risk PPE.
For all procedures, the patient must wear a surgical mask, and in case of lung biopsy,
the patient must wear an N95 mask. Oxygen-dependent patients may wear a nonrebreathing
mask, or a surgical mask may be worn under the oxygen mask.
Active Surveillance of Chest Radiograph and Chest Computed Tomography
Active Surveillance of Chest Radiograph and Chest Computed Tomography
Even though CT screening of COVID-19 is not recommended, anecdotal evidence suggests
that incidental detection of COVID-19 on CT scan or chest radiograph is possible.
Therefore, all thoracic CT and chest radiographs are being monitored in real time.
In this way, concerned patients can be isolated and tested at the earliest.
Policy
-
Any new unilateral or bilateral ground-glass opacity in the lungs is notified to the
attending radiologist
-
A review of previous CT, underlying malignancy, and ongoing treatment (especially
pneumonotoxic chemotherapy) is conducted
-
If suspicion of COVID-19 persists, the primary physician is notified immediately along
with the microbiology action team and hospital administration. CT room is thoroughly
disinfected with a downtime of 60 min.
The following are the high-risk features listed in our department guidelines.
Chest radiograph [Figure 4]{Figure 4}
Figure
Chest computed tomography [Figure 5]{Figure 5}
Figure 5: Computed tomography scan of a case of incidentally detected coronavirus
disease 2019. Known case of lung malignancy underwent upper abdominal computed tomography
for staging workup. Computed tomography sections in the lung window through lung bases
show focal ground peripheral glass densities bilaterally, right more than left
-
New multifocal, peripheral, subpleural, and bilateral ground-glass opacities
-
New focal or bilateral crazy paving or consolidations or organizing pneumonia pattern.
Features that should indicate other pathologies
Pleural effusion is an uncommon feature of COVID-19 pneumonia; however, it may be
found commonly in oncology patients due to an underlying liver or renal disease, hypoproteinemia,
or tumor deposits. Therefore, it should not be used as a determining feature.
Common confounding condition in oncology practice
The above-mentioned features are not specific for COVID-19 and may occur in multiple
conditions including other viral pneumonia. Any new densities that may represent infection
should be investigated. However, some conditions that mimic COVID-19 can be excluded
by associated radiological and clinical findings and may not be escalated further.
Radiologists need to be aware of these conditions and should be communicated accordingly.
-
Dependent densities due to inadequate inspiration while performing CT
-
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema
-
Chemotherapy- and immunotherapy-related toxicities (most common offending drugs are
given below)
-
Bleomycin
-
Paclitaxel/docetaxel
-
Gemcitabine
-
Erlotinib
-
Nivolumab.
-
Radiation toxicity
-
Posttreatment focal fibrosis in a lung mass.
A short algorithm is being used by our trainee radiologists [Figure 6]. This algorithm is not exhaustive, and each case needs to be considered separately.
To err on the side of caution, any suspected patient should undergo RT-PCR.
Figure 6: Simple algorithm for imaging surveillance and notification of coronavirus
disease 2019 in the radiology department
Conclusion
COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge posed to the imaging practice. Knowledge of
this new disease is still emerging, and all recommendations and protocols should be
kept as fluid as possible. We hope by following a standard protocol, oncoradiology
departments should be able to function smoothly without restricting patient care.
