False positive computed tomography imaging for Covid 19

The 79-year-old female patient presented to the emergency unit with a cough and severe shortness of breath. Due to bilateral multilobular ground glass density on thoracic tomography, the patient was admitted to intensive care with the preliminary diagnosis of Covid-19, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was applied. The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test was performed, and treatment with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin was begun. At the same time, the patient with an arterial blood pressure of 190/100 mm/hg was administered diuretic treatment to reduce lung congestion. On the follow-up CT of the patient who had recovered rapidly, we observed that the ground glass appearances had completely resolved. The PCR was negative and the patient was regarded as acute lung edema. The treatment was prescribed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital. Although thoracic tomography findings are useful in the early period for diagnosing Covid-19, it may show similar results as other diseases that cause respiratory failure and lead to misleading interpretations.