Comparative imaging findings among different primary betacoronaviruses

PURPOSE: Coronaviruses (CoV) are single-stranded RNA viruses that transmit from animal species to humans, causing a threat to global health. We aim to summarize common imaging findings of 3 betacoronaviruses (b-CoVs) and the common clinical manifestation, to provide a better understanding of the courses of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Pubmed and Google Scholar databases were searched for the terms “SARS-CoV” OR “COVID-19” OR “MERS-CoV”. Imaging-specific searches included keyword searches for “CT” AND “imaging”. Clinical presentation-specific searches included keyword searches for “clinical” AND “manifestation” AND “cardio-vascular” OR “neurology” OR “gastrointestinal” OR “hematology”. In total, 77 articles were selected for discussion in the current literature review. RESULTS: Human b-CoVs infection presented consistent indications of ground-glass opacities (GGO), consolidation, and interlobular septal thickening. Pleural effusion was also common in all 3 b-CoVs, but it was least present in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Bilateral lung involvement was common to both MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cardiovascular, neurological, haematological, and gastrointestinal were common clinical presentations found in patients infected with b-CoVs. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of imaging findings can be applied in clinical practice to distinguish the 3 CoV through different imaging modalities. It is crucial to understand the possible imaging findings and clinical presentations to better understand the course of the disease as well as prepare for future variants.