Emerging Role of Portable X Ray in COVID-19: A Pictorial Review from Pakistan

Abstract

Outbreak of infection caused by novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread across the globe since the beginning of 2020 and healthcare systems world over have struggled to cope with this pandemic. Radiological investigations including radiography, CT scanning and ultrasonography have been used globally to help detect the infection, grade its severity and determine prognosis. However, no perfect diagnostic tool has been developed yet, with the gold standard PCR also having limited sensitivity for detection of the virus. CT scan has been most thoroughly studied among the imaging modalities. However, there are several drawbacks of CT including its availability, lack of portability and risk of cross infection. Chest radiography overcomes these disadvantages. Despite its lack of sensitivity, its availability and portability imply that it is likely to be the most widely used imaging modality for this purpose in our part of the world. Recognition and familiarization with the most common chest radiographic findings in COVID-19 is extremely important for all front line health workers striving to deal with this public health emergency.