Overview
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of chest computed tomography (CT) in detecting signs of viral pneumonia has become clear from the literature. However, the increased patient flow creates an additional pressure on CT centers. We believe, the use of chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help to test patients for CVID-19 when CT scan is not available. Lung MRI may be useful in routing a patient in a difficult epidemiological situation.
Description
Currently, with increased load of CT studies, alternative methods of viral pneumonia signs' visualization are required.
Investigators hypothesize that chest MRI could be a test for detecting pulmonary features of COVID-19. They consider using MRI to assess COVID-19 viral pneumonia. Absence of radiation exposure to patients is a clear advantage of MRI.
This is a prospective, observational cohort study assessing patients with suspected COVID-19. It's primary goal is to determine the ability of multiparametric MRI to detect lung abnormalities - ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, "crazy paving" pattern, pleuritis
- in comparison to CT scan. In this study each patient with suspected pneumonia will sequentially undergo both chest CT and MRI during his/her visit. Scan protocols will be identical for each patient. Each participants completed an online questionnaire.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- A referral from the attending physician for a chest CT scan
- Suspected pneumonia
- Signed informed consent
- Over 18 years old
Exclusion Criteria:
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Presence of foreign implanted objects in the body at the scan level (including cardiac pacemakers, spine metalware)