A new approach in the diagnosis of lung lesions in patients with COVID-19: lung ultrasound protocol versus CT scan

Aim. To develop a protocol for ultrasound diagnostics of COVID-19 pneumonia and to assess the diagnostic capabilities of the method in comparison with computer tomography (CT).

Materials and methods. The study included 59 patients with a new coronavirus infection. In order to identify changes in the lung tissue characteristic of a new coronavirus infection, we used a special protocol for ultrasound of the lungs, which was developed by us in such a way that the data obtained were compared by segment with the results of CT of the lungs.

Results. When comparing the results of lung ultrasound with the data of CT diagnostics, according to the new protocol, the percentage of lung tissue damage during ultrasound of the lungs averaged 70.8% in the group [62.5; 87.5], and according to the results of CT – 70.0% [60.0; 72.5] (p=0.427). Thus, the ultrasound of the lung lesions was almost completely consistent with the changes revealed by CT. In order to assess the diagnostic value of lung ultrasound in identifying severe lung tissue lesions corresponding to CT 3–4, ROC analysis was performed, which showed the high diagnostic value of lung ultrasound in identifying severe lung tissue lesions.

Conclusion. A new protocol was developed for assessing the severity of lung tissue damage according to ultrasound data, which showed a high diagnostic value in detecting COVID-19 pneumonia in comparison with CT. The results obtained give reason to recommend this protocol of ultrasound of the lungs as a highly sensitive method in diagnosing the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. Its application is very important for dynamic examination of patients, especially in conditions of low availability of CT.