Objective To analyze the clinical manifestations and CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19 to improve the understanding of the disease.

Methods The clinical data and chest CT imaging findings of 58 COVID-19 patients diagnosed by the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. According to the diagnosis and treatment scheme of COVID-19 (trial version 6), all patients were divided into mild type (n=7), ordinary type (n=34), severe type (n=7) and critical type (n=10) and the imaging findings were analyzed.

Results The common clinical manifestations of COVID-19 patients were fever (47 cases, 81.0%), cough (31 cases, 53.4%), and fatigue (10 cases, 17.2%). Laboratory examination showed white blood cell count was normal or decreased in 52 cases (89.7%), lymphocyte count decreased in 14 cases (24.1%), C-reactive protein increased in 18 cases (31.0%). The main manifestations of CT was shadow in double lower lungs in 46 cases (90.2%). The main CT manifestations of patients with common COVID-19 were ground glass shadow (23/34, 67.6%) or mixed type (17/34, 50.0%), and was mainly peripherally distributed (28/34, 82.4%); the main CT manifestations of severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients were consolidation(13/17, 76.5%) and mixed type(14/17, 82.4%). Periphery and center were involved at the same time (14/17, 82.4%). Other common signs included pleural parallel sign, halo sign, vascular thickening sign, paving stone sign, air bronchus sign, and so on. 5 cases of pleural effusion were critical patients.

Conclusions The chest imaging findings of patients with COVID-19 have certain characteristics, which can be used as a reference for early diagnosis, and evaluate the clinical course and severity of the disease.