Author: Einstein (são Paulo)

The halo sign as a chest computed tomography finding of COVID-19 [Originally published in Einsten, vol. 18]

Although the halo sign constitutes a CT finding with large differential diagnosis and it is rarely found in pneumonias caused by SARS-CoV-2, this CT sign in individuals under COVID-19 investigation can help in this disease diagnosis and management, particularly during the current pandemic. Read More →

Fair allocation of scarce medical resources during COVID-19 pandemic: ethical considerations [Originally published in Einsten, vol. 18]

Thus, considering the imminent risk of unavailability of intensive care beds and respirators for all individuals, affected or not by the disease, it is essential to establish clinical, technical and ethical criteria for the best use of them, to enhance results and generate the best possible benefits. Read More →

Structured thoracic computed tomography report for COVID-19 pandemic [Originally published in Einsten, vol. 18]

We have observed an increase in requests of chest computed tomography (CT) since the first records of cases in Brazil. It is crucial to highlight that the definite diagnosis of COVID-19 is made by RT-PCR, and a normal chest CT does not rule out diagnosis. However, currently, the RT-PCR result has taken longer than CT reports to be available, so CT has taken an important role in a comprehensive assessment of patients for demonstrating high sensitivity (although low specificity), to detect the most frequent pulmonary findings of the disease. Read More →