COVID-19 Imaging Flashcards

Flashcards on Covid-19 imaging based on lecture notes.

Coronaviruses

A large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections, ranging from the common cold to severe diseases like SARS and MERS.

SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Role of Imaging in COVID-19

Not a screening/diagnostic tool, reserved for evaluating complications; indicated in worsening respiratory status.

Coagulopathy

Any derangement of haemostasis resulting in excessive bleeding or clotting, typically impaired clot formation.

Thrombocytopenia

A condition with a low blood platelet count, where platelets are essential for blood clotting.

VIIT

Vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia, leading to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS)

Unusual thromboses (arterial and venous) + low platelet counts presenting in small number of patients with VIIT.

Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) antibody in VITT

An autoantibody called platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibody that activates platelets, promoting clotting and low platelet levels.

Main TTS Complications

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST), Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Acute Limb Ischemia, Myocardial Infarction.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST)

Occlusion of dural venous sinuses in the cranial cavity, preventing blood from draining out of the brain.

Initial CT NC Head Scan for CVST

To assess for hemorrhage in brain parenchyma and thrombus within venous sinuses or veins.

CT Venogram

A contrast-enhanced examination providing a detailed depiction of the cerebral venous system; presence of CVST will produce a filling defect in a sinus or vein

Splanchnic Venous Circulation

Drains a large portion of the digestive system; encompasses PV thrombosis, mesenteric veins thrombosis, splenic veins thrombosis and Budd-Chiari syndrome

SVT encompasses

PV thrombosis, Mesenteric veins thrombosis, Splenic veins thrombosis, and Budd-Chiari Syndrome.

Mesenteric Ischemia

Vascular compromise (venous or arterial) of the bowel and its mesentery.

CT Abdomen and Pelvis

Used to diagnose vessel thrombosis and organ complications (necrosis of bowel in particular) in patients with probable vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia (VIIT).

COVID-19 Vaccines

Offer life-saving protection against COVID-19; best bet for staying safe during the pandemic.

CT Imaging in Patients with COVID-19

Used sparingly for hospitalized, symptomatic patients with specific clinical indications; CT of the chest is the main area of CT use.

Primary Findings of COVID-19

Atypical pneumonia or organizing pneumonia.

Ground Glass Opacity (GGO)

Multifocal, bilateral, and peripheral; may present as a unifocal lesion in early phase.

Crazy Paving Pattern

Scattered or diffuse ground-glass attenuation with a superimposed linear pattern.

Vascular Dilation

Widening of the vessels in the area of ground glass.

Bronchiectasis

Abnormal dilatation of the bronchi; Traction bronchiectasis is a common variant of bronchiectasis

Traction Bronchiectasis

Mechanical traction from adjacent pulmonary fibrosis.

Thromboembolic Complications in COVID-19

Large-vessel occlusion and microvascular thrombosis due to innate immune system activation.

Thick MIP

Demonstrates PE (opacification with IV contrast of right pulmonary artery; absence of flow [filling defect]), small PE in left as well.

Common Thromboembolic Complications

DVT (US imaging test of choice in first instance), pulmonary emboli (CTPA), cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, myocardial infarction, stroke.