RADIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF PNEUMONIA IN COVID 19: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Radiology plays a fundamental role in diagnosing respiratory tract diseases, especially in the context of pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Since the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in the late 19th century, technological advancements have enabled the development of new diagnostic tools, such as chest radiography (CR) and computed tomography (CT). During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in pneumonia cases, leading to a rise in mortality rates between 2020 and 2024. The most common radiological findings in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 include ground-glass opacities and pulmonary consolidations, which are essential for assessing disease severity and guiding clinical management. The correlation between imaging findings and epidemiological data highlights the importance of CT as a diagnostic support tool, particularly in cases with difficult laboratory confirmation. Thus, the combined interpretation of radiological examinations and epidemiological statistics can optimize therapeutic approaches and improve patient prognosis.