Abstract: Objective To evaluate the value of chest computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Methods A summary analysis was performed on the chest CT of 57 cases of newly cured coronavirus infection in Changsha First Hospital and combined with clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and treatment regimen was conducted to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Results Fifty-five of the 57 patients were admitted to hospital with pulmonary lesions which were characterized by ground glass shadow and consolidation shadow mainly under the pleura and lung base. Totally 51 cases were showing symptoms when admitted to hospital, most of which had mild symptoms and were not in parallel with the severity of pulmonary lesions, showing severe pulmonary lesions and mild clinical symptoms. After 3-5 days of admission, symptoms were improved in 32 cases, while worsened in 9 cases, of which only 4 cases had symptoms of aggravation. The treatment plan was adjusted with progress of the lesions. After 3-5 days, the chest CT examination showed that the pulmonary lesions were alleviated. Conclusion The chest CT is of great value in the screening and diagnosis of pneumonia infected by novel coronavirus. It should be noted that it may be insensitive to identification of mild cases. It should be differentiated from other pathogens such as other viruses, mycoplasma, and chlamydia, etc. Misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis could be avoided with assistance of viral nuclei acid detection. During the treatment process, regular chest CT monitoring can be helpful to ascertain the patient's progresses and adjust the treatment plan as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the chest CT is one of the important discharge requirement.

Key words: COVID-19, chest computed tomography, clinical value