An integrated approach to the differential diagnosis of COVID-19 syndromes and symptoms

Abstract

COVID-19 is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are not pathognomonic (hyper-/hypothermia; acute intoxication syndrome; cough; sore throat; enlargement of submandibular lymph nodes; shortness of breath; dyspeptic syndrome; neurological symptoms; ageusia and anosmia, etc.), which determines the need for differential diagnosis. COVID-19 refers to acute respiratory infections, has common transmission routes and similar symptoms, simultaneous infection with other respiratory viruses is possible. Symptoms of intoxication require differential diagnosis with other infections, cough and shortness of breath may be manifestations of cardiovascular diseases, ageusia and anosmia occur in respiratory viral infections and neurological diseases, skin manifestations are also not specific. Laboratory and radiation diagnostics in COVID-19 reveals frequent changes, which, however, are also not pathognomonic. The article discusses diseases that have similar manifestations to COVID-19. The greatest difficulties in differential diagnosis are caused by combined conditions ― the development of COVID-19 in patients with cardiovascular diseases, cancer patients, with chronic diseases of the respiratory system and others. Crucial in the differential diagnosis is the conduct of a specific examination ― the determination of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in smears from the nasopharynx and oropharynx by immunochemical methods.