During the pandemic of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), computed tomography (CT) showed its effectiveness in diagnosis of coronavirus infection. However, ionizing radiation during CT studies causes concern for patients who require dynamic observation, as well as for examination of children and young people. For this retrospective study, we included 15 suspected for COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized in April 2020, Russia. There were 4 adults with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations using MR-LUND PROTOCOL: Single-shot Fast Spin Echo (SSFSE), LAVA 3D and IDEAL 3D, Echo-planar imaging (EPI) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and Fast Spin Echo (FSE) T2 weighted imaging (T2WI). On T2WI changes were identified in 9 (60,0%) patients, on DWI – in 5 (33,3%) patients. In 5 (33,3%) patients lesions of the parenchyma were visualized on T2WI and DWI simultaneously. At the same time, 4 (26.7%) patients had changes in lung tissue only on T2WI. (P(McNemar) = 0,125; OR = 0,00 (95%); kappa = 0,500). In those patients who had CT scan, the changes were comparable to MRI. The results showed that in case of CT is not available, it is advisable to conduct a chest MRI for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Considering that T2WI is a fluid-sensitive sequence, if imaging for the lung infiltration is required, we can recommend the abbreviated MRI protocol consisting of T2 and T1 WI. These data may be applicable for interpreting other studies, such as thoracic spine MRI, detecting signs of viral pneumonia of asymptomatic patients. MRI can detect features of viral pneumonia.

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During the pandemic of COVID-19, computed tomography showed its effectiveness in diagnosis of coronavirus infection. However, ionizing radiation during CT studies causes concern for patients who require dynamic observation, as well as for examination of children and young people. For this retrospective study, we included 15 suspected for COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized in April 2020, Russia. There were 4 adults with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19. All patients underwent MRI examinations using MR-LUND PROTOCOL: Single-shot Fast Spin Echo (SSFSE), LAVA 3D and IDEAL 3D, EPI diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and Fast Spin Echo (FSE) T2WI without using respiratory or any other trigger. 3 patients also had CT scan performed. In 5 (33,3%) patients, detected lesioins were visualized on T2WI and DWI simultaneously. At the same time, 4 (26.7%) patients revealed lung tissue changes only on T2WI (P(McNemar)= 0,125, OR= 0,00 (95%), kappa=0,500). Pulmonary changes on MRI were also analyzed depending on their localization. In those patients who had CT scan, the changes were comparable to MRI. MRI of the lungs can detect features of viral pneumonia and assess severity of lung damage. The method can be used to diagnose COVID-19. These data may be applicable for interpreting other studies, such as thoracic spine MRI, detecting signs of viral pneumonia of asymptomatic patients. The current study was limited by a small sample size and absence of chest CT scans of all patients.

Speech recognition technology was tested to prepare protocols for radiological examinations. A method to evaluate the efficiency of speech recognition technology implementation for the preparation of radiological examination protocols has been developed. A time-study was conducted to confirm the effectiveness of voice input. The commitment of radiologist to using innovative technologies in their work practices was evaluated.

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