Use of Chest Imaging in COVID-19
A Rapid Advice Guide 11 June 2020
This circular has been published by the World Health Organization. EMGuidance confirms that it is not the owner of the information provided, nor does it intend to present it as such.
In summary, the recommendations are:
1. For asymptomatic contacts of patients with COVID-19, WHO suggests not using chest imaging for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
2.1 For symptomatic patients with suspected COVID-19, WHO suggests not using chest imaging for the diagnostic workup of COVID-19 when RT-PCR testing is available with timely results.
2.2 For symptomatic patients with suspected COVID-19, WHO suggests using chest imaging for the diagnostic workup of COVID-19 when: (1) RT-PCR testing is not available; (2) RT-PCR testing is available, but results are delayed; and (3) initial RT-PCR testing is negative, but with high clinical suspicion of COVID-19.
3. For patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, not currently hospitalized and with mild symptoms, WHO suggests using chest imaging in addition to clinical and laboratory assessment to decide on hospital admission versus home discharge.
4. For patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, not currently hospitalized and with moderate to severe symptoms, WHO suggests using chest imaging in addition to clinical and laboratory assessment to decide on regular ward admission versus intensive care unit (ICU) admission.
5. For patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, currently hospitalized and with moderate to severe symptoms, WHO suggests using chest imaging in addition to clinical and laboratory assessment to inform therapeutic management.
6. For hospitalized patients with COVID-19 whose symptoms are resolved, WHO suggests not using chest imaging in addition to clinical and/or laboratory assessment to inform the decision regarding discharge.