Abstract

Echocardiographic Features in Patients with Critical Covid-19 Requiring Endotracheal Intubation

Author(s): Vito Sollazzo, Francesco Dibiase, Pietro Paolo La Torre, Wandisa Giordano, Dario Galante, Maria Lucia Pellegrino, Marisa Placentino

Abstract

Aim: COVID-19 has changed the way that we manage severe cardiorespiratory insufficiency caused by severe compromise of both the lungs and the cardiovascular system. The aim of this report is to share our experience of the use of echocardiography in patients with critical COVID-19 requiring endotracheal intubation.

Methods: We used transthoracic echocardiography for a rapid evaluation of the hemodynamic status and for monitoring patient’s response to therapy and ventilator management. This enabled us to identify cardiac involvement that was unpredictable and complex.

Results: The main cardiac abnormalities found were hyperdynamic status, Tako-Tsubo syndrome, right ventricular dilatation and acute pulmonary hypertension, and myocardial injury.

Conclusion: Use of echocardiography in patients with COVID-19 is useful for diagnostic purposes. It is also useful for pulmonary management and is particularly useful for cardiac management.