Overview
Postviral cough is a persistent cough that can occur after a viral respiratory infection. Residual lung abnormalities on chest CT scans after COVID-19 infection may be associated with persistent or progressive respiratory symptoms 1. These abnormalities tend to stabilize or regress over time 1.Diagnosis
Chest CT may be indicated in patients with persistent or progressive respiratory symptoms 3 months after COVID-19 infection 1.
Low-dose CT protocols (range, 1-3 mSv) are recommended for follow-up chest CT examinations 1.
The Fleischner Society glossary of terms should be used for radiologic descriptors 1.Management
No specific management strategies for postviral cough are detailed in the provided abstracts.Special Populations
No specific information on special populations is provided in the abstracts.Key Recommendations
Perform chest CT in patients with persistent or progressive respiratory symptoms 3 months after COVID-19 infection 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Use low-dose CT protocols (range, 1-3 mSv) for follow-up chest CT examinations after COVID-19 infection 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Utilize the Fleischner Society glossary of terms for radiologic descriptors of post-COVID-19 residual lung abnormalities on CT scans 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 Yoon SH, Kanne JP, Ashizawa K, Biederer J, Castañer E, Fan L et al.. Best Practice: International Multisociety Consensus Statement for Post-COVID-19 Residual Abnormalities on Chest CT Scans. Radiology 2025. link