ObjectiveTo investigate the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) signs of patients diagnosed with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and explore its evolution features during hospitalization.MethodsFrom January 17, 2020 to February 26, 2020, HRCT images from 15 COVID-19 patients were analyzed. All the patients had positive nucleic acid test results of SARS-CoV-2. The imaging features of initial and follow-up of each patient were reviewed and graded based on the severity of lung lesions.ResultsAmong the 15 COVID-19 patients, ground-glass opacity (GGO) was found in 14 cases. Six patients presented with consolidation and 3 with fibrosis. Five patients had multi-lobe involvement. Subpleural distribution pattern was present in 12 patients (80.0%) and peribronchovascular distribution pattern was present in 2 patients (13.3%). The severity score on HRCT images at the follow-up was significantly higher than that at the initial (4.6±3.4 vs. 3.5±2.5, P=0.018 2). Increase of random distribution pattern (5 cases) were also noted at the follow-up.ConclusionsChest HRCT of COVID-19 patients is characterized with GGO mainly distributed in subpleural areas and a rapid progression within a short time interval. HRCT could provide a sensitive monitor to observe disease progression for COVID-19 patients.
