Fact-sheet: Coronavirus Covid-19
Updated on 03/25/2020 at 10:45 AM
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Definition
Coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019), is a viral zoonotic infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Infection that became pandemic in March 2020.
Clinical features
Coronavirus disease presents as a viral syndrome.
Main symptoms:
- fever
- dry cough
- dyspnea
Secondary symptoms:
- asthenia
- anorexia
- headaches
- myalgias
- diarrhea
Severe manifestations:
- pneumonia
- acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- renal failure
The incubation period is estimated at 2 to 14 days.
Laboratory findings
CBC:
- lymphopenia
- thrombocytopenia
- leukopenia
Positive diagnosis by RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs.
Radiography
Chest radiograph: no role in the management of Covid-19 pneumonia.
CT
Chest CT is the only examination to be performed.
Indications:- suspected or confirmed covid with signs of severity- suspected covid with comorbidity and RT-PCR unavailable or pending.
No current indication for screening.
Protocol:- unenhanced thin-section chest CT- contrast injection if searching for complications or suspected associated pulmonary embolism
Semiology:- first 3 days: normal in 50% of cases, bilateral peripheral ground-glass opacity predominating in the lower lung fields.- between day 3 and day 7: extension of ground-glass opacity and appearance of consolidations +/- crazy paving pattern- between day 7 and day 14: extension of peripheral subpleural consolidations +/- reticulations- between day 14 and day 28: decrease in findings until recovery, with possible sequelae of lung injury (fibrosis, bronchiectasis).
If lymphadenopathy, nodules, micronodules, or effusions are present: consider an alternative diagnosis or bacterial superinfection.
Management
Symptomatic treatment and management of organ failure.