MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND HYBRID IMAGING APPROACHES FOR ASSESSING COVID-19 DISEASE PROGRESSION AND STAGING: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: The outbreak of novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, occurred in December 2019. The World Health Organisation (WHO) named it coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Common clinical signs of COVID-19 include fever, coughing, shortness of breath, myalgia, and exhaustion. While the RT-PCR test remains the gold standard for diagnosis, false-negative results are prevalent. Chest radiography and CT scans, which primarily focus on lung abnormalities, can complement RT-PCR in diagnosing and monitoring the disease. This study explores the roles of MRI, PET-CT, and SPECT-CT as diagnostic imaging modalities for COVID-19, aiming to improve clinical diagnosis and patient management. Methods: A scoping review was undertaken by systematically searching a number of databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search was done using relevant keywords such as COVID-19, MRI, hybrid imaging, PET-CT, SPECT-CT, progression, and staging. Our study primarily focused on articles that emphasise the significance of imaging techniques for assessing COVID-19 disease progression and staging, following specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Fourteen relevant articles were reviewed. Medical imaging modalities, such as MRI, and hybrid techniques like PET-CT and SPECT-CT can effectively identify abnormalities caused by COVID-19 in patient images. However, they may not always distinguish overlapping pneumonia specifically associated with COVID-19. Conclusion: In conclusion, MRI, PET-CT, and SPECT-CT can provide complementary diagnostic images for understanding the progression and staging of COVID-19. These imaging modalities enhance patient management and follow-up, offering valuable insights into the disease's impact on the body.