Purpose

To investigate the dynamic evolution of image features of COVID-19 patients appearing as a solitary lesion at initial chest CT scan.

Materials and methods

Twenty-two COVID-19 patients with solitary pulmonary lesion from three hospitals in China were enrolled from January 18, 2020 to March 18, 2020. The clinical feature and laboratory findings at first visit, as well as characteristics and dynamic evolution of chest CT images were analyzed. Among them, the CT score evaluation was the sum of the lung involvement in five lobes (0–5 points for each lobe, with a total score ranging from 0 to 25).

Results

22 COVID-19 patients (11 males and 11 females, with an average age of 40.7 ± 10.3) developed a solitary pulmonary lesion within 4 days after the onset of symptoms, the peak time of CT score was about 11 days (with a median CT score of 6), and was discharged about 19 days. The peak of CT score was positively correlated with the peak time and the discharge time (p < 0.001, r = 0.793; p < 0.001, r = 0.715). Scan-1 (first visit): 22 cases (100%) showed GGO and one lobe was involved, CT score was 1.0/1.0 (median/IQR). Scan-2 (peak): 15 cases (68%) showed crazy-paving pattern, 19 cases (86%) showed consolidation, and 2.5 lobes were involved, CT score was 6.0/12.0. Scan-3 (before discharge): ten cases (45%) showed linear opacities, none had crazy-paving pattern, and 2.5 lobes were involved, CT score was 6.0/11.0. Scan-4 (after discharge): three cases (19%) showed linear opacities and one lobe was involved, CT score was 2.0/5.0.

Conclusion

The chest CT features are related to the course of COVID-19 disease, and dynamic chest CT scan are helpful to monitor disease progress and patients’ condition. In recovered patients with COVID-19, the positive CT manifestations were found within 4 days, lung involvement peaking at approximately 11 days, and discharged at about 19 days. The patients with more severe the lung injury was, the later the peak time appeared and the longer the recovery time was. Although the lesion was resolved over time, isolation and reexamination were required after discharge.