Abstract

Chest imaging has been pivotal in the management of COVID-19 pneumonia, offering critical insights into the diagnosis, disease progression, and therapeutic response. This review explores the role of various imaging modalities, including chest X-ray (CXR) and computed tomography (CT), in the clinical care of COVID-19 patients. CXR, despite its lower sensitivity, has been widely used for initial assessment and monitoring, particularly in resource-limited settings. CT imaging, with its higher sensitivity and specificity, has proven essential in detecting early lung changes, assessing disease severity, and guiding treatment decisions. The characteristic imaging patterns associated with COVID-19 pneumonia, such as ground-glass opacities and consolidations, have become well-recognized markers of the disease. Additionally, chest imaging has played a crucial role in the differential diagnosis and long-term follow-up of patients, helping to identify complications like fibrosis. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are poised to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of chest imaging in future pandemics. This review highlights the indispensable role of chest imaging in the comprehensive management of COVID-19 pneumonia and outlines future directions for research and clinical practice.