The arch bridge sign: a newly described CT feature of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia

Background: To investigate the distribution of CT features and also to introduce a novel described CT feature of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Methods: A series of radiologic signs in 11 COVID-19 patients were summarized and made morphometric analysis. Results: A special sign termed as "the arch bridge sign" owing to its morphological mimicking a Chinese traditional arch bridge was firstly introduced. Statistical analyze showed that the subpleural area is the priority distribution location (14/ 14) and the sign inclined to perform in those patients in a relatively early stage (5/8) and with moderate clinical severity (8/8). Segment VI in lower lobe involved most (6/12). In this retrospective study, other characterize radiologic signs of COVID-19 pneumonia were analyzed synchronously. A series of radiologic signs were identified in bilateral lungs with a bias towards segment VI, I + II and X. Segment VI had the largest number of each signs. Ground-glass opacities (GGOs), subpleural distribution pattern and vessels dilatation were the top three most common signs among them. Conclusions: The recognition of the arch bridge sign may benefit patient care by earlier definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. The lesions of COVID-19 pneumonia distributed mainly in the backlung segments, which characteristic may light new ideas in clinical treatment and nursing strategy.