Understanding HRCT Scan Scores for Covid-19 Infections
Understanding HRCT:
HRCT is “High Resolution Computerized Tomography” (CT scan) of the chest.
It is an important and fast imaging tool which helps in the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection by:
- Identifying the percentage of lung involvement due to COVID-19 infection
- Understanding the disease severity
HRCT SCORING SYSTEMS:
HRCT imaging uses two types of scoring systems for COVID-19 infection:
- CO-RADS Score
- CT Severity Score
CO-RADS – CO-RADS score determines the level of suspicion of COVID-19 infection in suspected patients.
| CO-RADS Score | Significance |
| 1 | Negative COVID-19 – Normal Lung |
| 2 – 4 | Suspected COVID-19 infection |
| 5 – 6 | COVID-19 |
CT Severity Score – This score tells us about the percentage of actual lung involvement due to the infection.
| CT Severity Score | Significance |
| ≤ 8 | Mild disease |
| 9 – 15 | Moderate disease |
| 16 – 25 | Severe disease |
If your score is high in either of these, don’t get panicked and rush out for hospitalization. Remember, the decision for hospitalization does depend on other associated factors like pre-existing disease, presenting symptoms and lab parameters.
Therefore, patients are advised to follow-up with the treating doctor in case of higher CT severity score.
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