Radiographic and tomographic aspects of SARS-Cov-2 infection and its cardiopulmonary complications: a case study

Abstract

Objective: To report the case of a patient diagnosed with COVID-19, with typical image changes and evolution to pulmonary thromboembolism, relating the main signs and symptoms with changes in imaging tests, as well as the main cardiorespiratory repercussions. Case details: Female patient, 54 years old, hypertensive, vaccinated with the first dose of AstraZeneca® vaccine against SARS-CoV2, presented flu-like symptoms and positive RT-PCR test, evolving with persistent cough, progressive dyspnea and desaturation. During the course of the condition, he presented fever, chest pain in the mediastinal region, hyposmia and hypogeusia. The therapeutic approach required hospitalization, low-flow oxygen therapy, systemic corticosteroids, intravenous antibiotic therapy and respiratory support, with clinical improvement and discharge after 10 days of hospitalization. Chest X-ray on the ninth day of symptoms showed interstitial-alveolar parenchymal opacities, and Computed Tomography of the Pulmonary Arteries, performed after 25 days of symptoms, showed extensive Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE). Final considerations: The report reinforces the importance of recognizing the characteristics, evolution and cardiorespiratory complications of the disease, understanding that the aspects of imaging exams are heterogeneous among those affected. In this way, perform the best assessment and conduct.