False Positive Computed Tomography Imaging for Coronavirus-2019

Abstract

A 79-year-old female patient presented to the emergency unit with cough and severe shortness of breath. Due to a bilateral multilobular ground glass density result from thoracic tomography, the patient was admitted to intensive care with the preliminary diagnosis of corona virus-2019 (COVID-19), and a continuous positive airway pressure was applied. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was performed, and treatment with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin was initiated. At the same time, the patient with an arterial blood pressure of 190/100 mm/hg was administered with diuretic treatment to reduce lung congestion. The follow-up computed tomography of the patient showed rapid recovery, and ground glass appearances had completely resolved. The PCR was negative and the patient was diagnosed with acute lung edema. The treatment was prescribed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital. Thoracic tomography findings are useful in early period for COVID-19 diagnosis; however, it may show similar results as other diseases that cause respiratory failure and lead to misleading interpretations.