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Jpn J Radiol. 2021 Aug;39(8):721-732. doi: 10.1007/s11604-021-01120-w. Epub 2021 Apr 26.

Ground-glass opacity (GGO): a review of the differential diagnosis in the era of COVID-19.

Japanese journal of radiology

Diletta Cozzi, Edoardo Cavigli, Chiara Moroni, Olga Smorchkova, Giulia Zantonelli, Silvia Pradella, Vittorio Miele

Affiliations

  1. Department of Emergency Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy. [email protected].
  2. Department of Emergency Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
  3. SIRM Foundation, via della Signora 2, Milan, Italy.

PMID: 33900542 PMCID: PMC8071755 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-021-01120-w

Abstract

Thoracic imaging is fundamental in the diagnostic route of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) especially in patients admitted to hospitals. In particular, chest computed tomography (CT) has a key role in identifying the typical features of the infection. Ground-glass opacities (GGO) are one of the main CT findings, but their presence is not specific for this viral pneumonia. In fact, GGO is a radiological sign of different pathologies with both acute and subacute/chronic clinical manifestations. In the evaluation of a subject with focal or diffuse GGO, the radiologist has to know the patient's medical history to obtain a valid diagnostic hypothesis. The authors describe the various CT appearance of GGO, related to the onset of symptoms, focusing also on the ancillary signs that can help radiologist to obtain a correct and prompt diagnosis.

© 2021. Japan Radiological Society.

Keywords: COVID-19; Computed tomography; Coronavirus; Differential diagnosis; Ground-glass opacity

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