Rationale and objectives: There is a rising onus on understanding the common features
of COVID-19 pneumonia on different imaging modalities. In this study, we aimed to
review and depict the common MRI features of COVID-19 pneumonia in our laboratory
confirmed case series, the first comprehensive reported cohort in the literature.
Materials and methods: Upon IRB approval, eight laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients
who presented to our outpatient imaging clinic underwent chest CT and, once various
features of COVID-19 pneumonia were identified, a dedicated multisequence chest MRI
was performed on the same day with an institutional protocol. Demographic data and
the morphology, laterality and location of the lesions were recorded for each case.
Results: Five males and three females with the mean age of 40.63 +/- 12.64 years old
were present in this case series. Five cases had typical CT features with ground glass
opacities and consolidations, readily visible on different MRI sequences. Three cases
had indeterminate or atypical features which were also easily seen on MRI. The comprehensive
review of MRI features for each case and representative images have been illustrated.
Conclusion: Becoming familiar with typical findings of COVID-19 pneumonia in MRI is
crucial for every radiologist. Although MRI is not the modality of choice for evaluation
of pulmonary opacities, it has similar capabilities in detection of COVID-19 pneumonia
when compared to chest CT.
