Rofo 2022; 194(06): 625-633
DOI: 10.1055/a-1710-3767
Rapid Communication

Impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Radiological Imaging in Germany

Article in several languages: English | deutsch
Martina Schmidbauer
1   Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
Lars Grenacher
2   Imaging and Prevention Center, Conradia Radiology Munich, Germany
,
Markus S. Juchems
3   Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Konstanz, Germany
,
Erik Memmel
3   Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Konstanz, Germany
,
Thomas Lauenstein
4   Department of Radiology, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Düsseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
,
Andreas G. Schreyer
5   Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg a.d. Havel, Germany
,
Niklas Verloh
6   Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
,
Claus Becker
6   Department of Radiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Germany
,
Thomas J. Vogl
7   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
,
Johannes Wessling
8   Department of Radiology, Clemenshospital GmbH Munster, Germany
,
Frank K. Wacker
1   Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
,
1   Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Purpose To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 on the radiological imaging volume in Germany.

Materials und Methods In this retrospective multicenter study, we analyzed CT and MRI examinations of 7 radiology institutes across Germany from January to December 2020. The imaging volume was compared to 2019 (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test). Modality, patient service locations, and examined body parts were assessed in consideration of time periods of the pandemic. In addition, correlation with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 cases and associated death was performed (Spearman-test).

Results In total, in 2020, imaging volume declined by 4 % (n = 8314) compared with 2019 (p < 0.05). The hard lockdown during the first pandemic wave (calendar week 12–16, March 22 – April 19) revealed the highest decrease with 29 % (n = 894, p < 0.01), with the greatest decrease in CT (36 % vs. MRI 26 %), outpatients (38 %, p < 0.01), and imaging of the spine and extremities (51–72 %, < 0.05 – p < 0.01). Examinations referred from the emergency department (–13 %, p < 0.05) and CT of the chest (–16 %, p < 0.05) were least affected. With the end of the first wave, gradual normalization of the imaging volume was observed and persisted until the end of the observation period. A reduction of imaging volume negatively correlated with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2-positive cases and associated deaths (r = 0.28 and 0.49, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001).

Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant temporary decline in imaging volume. After the first lockdown period, a quick recovery was observed with radiologic imaging examinations steadily approaching prior-year figures.

Key points:

  • This study assesses the impact of dynamic pandemic activity on radiological imaging in a multicenter analysis in Germany.

  • The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a temporary decline in CT and MRI scans.

  • Relaxation of restrictions was associated with fast normalization of imaging volumes to prior-year levels, which persisted until the end of the year.

  • Significant catch-up effects were not observed.

Citation Format

  • Schmidbauer M, Grenacher L, Juchems MS et al. Impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic on Radiological Imaging in Germany. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2022; 194: 625 – 633



Publication History

Received: 18 August 2021

Accepted: 07 November 2021

Article published online:
28 December 2021

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