THE USE OF X-RAY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY TO ASSESS THE PROGNOSIS OF PATIENTS WITH COVID-19

Abstract

This article aimed to evaluate the use of radiography and computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with COVID-19. For this purpose, a narrative review was conducted through searches in the Pubmed and Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (Medline) databases, using the descriptors Covid-19, Radiograph, and Diagnosis. Articles published in the years 2020 to 2024 that were relevant to the topic of the article were selected. Chest radiography and computed tomography (CT) are important imaging examinations in the evaluation of patients with COVID-19, especially for determining disease severity and prognosis. Chest radiography can reveal characteristic lung opacities, which are common in patients with COVID-19. However, the sensitivity of this examination may be limited in mild or early cases of the disease. On the other hand, chest CT is more sensitive in detecting lung abnormalities associated with the coronavirus, and it can help assess the extent and severity of lung lesions, providing important information for patient prognosis. Therefore, the combination of serological tests, laboratory tests, radiography, and computed tomography is an effective strategy for identifying the diagnosis, management, prognosis, and morbidity of patients with COVID-19.