Semi-quantitative CT imaging in improving visualization of faint ground glass opacities seen in early/mild coronavirus (covid-19) cases

BACKGROUND: Chest CT is an essential and simple diagnostic method for early detection of pulmonary changes in COVID-19 patients. Semi-quantitative technique depending on both visual and color coded images helps to improve the early detection of COVID-19 chest affection and thus help to control spread of infection. RESULTS: From first of May to July 15, 2020, 30 patients in Cairo, Egypt who have positive RT-PCR tests and positive pulmonary manifestation were included in our study, 26 patients (86.6%) with faint ground glass opacities were detected by both visual and color coded images, while in 4 patients (13.3%) were only visualized by color coded images and confirmed by CT density assessment. CONCLUSION: The combined use of visual and color coded images enhance and improve the early detection of faint ground glass opacities seen in early COVID-19 affection.