Clinical relevance and follow-up of incidental computed tomography imaging and magnetic resonance imaging findings for COVID-19 diagnosis

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A.Y. Mehtiyeva

Azerbaijan Medical University, Department of Radiology

Imaging plays a central role in the detection and monitoring of pulmonary involvement in COVID-19

Aim: To assess the clinical significance and follow-up implications of incidental findings detected on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of 107 patients (25–71 years). Chest CT examinations were performed using multidetector scanners. A subset of 32 patients underwent additional magnetic resonance imaging examination as part of follow-up assessment

Results: Typical CT findings in 62.6%; incidental findings in 18.7%. MRI follow-up showed significant reduction of lesions (p<0.05, Cohen’s d=0.72). Follow-up CT (n=68 patients) at 3-6 months demonstrated complete resolution in 33 patients (48.5%), residual abnormalities in 26 patients (38.2%) and fibrotic-like changes in 9 patients (13.2%). Patients with initial severe lung involvement were significantly more likely to develop residual abnormalities (OR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.41-6.89; p = 0.004). Multivariate regression confirmed baseline extent of lung involvement as an independent predictor of residual changes (adjusted OR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.25-6.54; p = 0.01)

Conclusion: Thus, the integration of CT and MRI findings provides a more comprehensive understanding of disease evolution. CT remains indispensable for acute assessment, while MRI offers a valuable radiation-free alternative for follow-up, particularly in younger or vulnerable populations

Key words: COVID-19, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, follow-up

https://doi.org/10.15407/internalmed2026.01.100

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Cite:

Мехтієва, А.Я. Клінічна значимість та подальше спостереження за випадковими знахідками, виявленими при комп’ютерній томографії та магнітно-резонансній діагностиці, для діагностики COVID-19 / А.Я. Мехтієва // Східноєвропейський журнал внутрішньої та сімейної медицини. — 2026. — № 1. — С. 100-103. (English) doi: 10.15407/internalmed2026.01.100

Mehtiyeva AY. Clinical relevance and follow-up of incidental computed tomography imaging and magnetic resonance imaging findings for COVID-19 diagnosis. Shidnoevr. z. vnutr. simejnoi med. 2026;1:100-103. doi: 10.15407/internalmed2026.01.100

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