Changes in CT manifestations and RT-PCR testings of the coronavirus disease 2019 until recovery in patients with afferent infection vs. second-generation infection outside the original city (Wuhan): An observational study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in CT manifestations and results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing between afferent and second-generation coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outside the original city (Wuhan) until recovery. METHODS: We collected 26 consecutive COVID-19 patients undergoing initial and follow-up CT scans together with RT-PCR until recovery from 2 hospitals outside the original city. Seventeen patients with afferent infection and 9 with second-generation infection were assigned to Group A and B, respectively. By observing CT manifestations, we scored COVID-19, and statistically analyzed numbers of patients with changes in CT scores and RT-PCR results between stages. RESULTS: The total score of COVID-19 on initial CT manifestations was higher in Group A than in Group B (P < 0.05). COVID-19 progressed more frequently from stage 1–2, and relieved from stage 3–4 in Group A (P < 0.05). The similar trend in Group A could not be found in Group B. Results of RT-PCR in most of patients in Group A turned negative at stage 4 while those in Group B turned negative at stage 3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Changes in CT manifestation and RT-PCR result can be different between afferent and second-generation COVID-19 until recovery.