1. Role of point of care ultrasound in COVID-19 pandemic: what lies beyond the horizon?
- Author
-
Galluccio F, Ergonenc T, Yamak Altinpulluk E, Perez Herrero M, De la Torre Carpente MDM, Capassoni M, Espinoza K, Aragon Benedi C, Abdallah SA, Orzalesi V, and Fajardo Perez M
- Subjects
- Humans, Intensive Care Units, Pandemics, COVID-19 diagnostic imaging, Lung diagnostic imaging, Point-of-Care Systems, Ultrasonography instrumentation, Ultrasonography methods
- Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 requires rapid and easy access to reliable imaging modalities for diagnosis and follow up. Considering the cost-effectiveness of the imaging used, ultrasound is a non-ionizing, portable and bedside imaging modality with a high diagnostic impact in emergencies and intensive care units in pandemics, but it is operator dependent. In our article, we provide a comprehensive review of the role of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection and its impact on the lungs, cardiovascular system, eyes and abdominal organs. Moreover, ultrasound can provide real-time diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, such as the placement of a central catheter and aspiration of pericardial effusion. Awareness of health care professionals in the front-line fighting COVID-19 infection in emergency rooms, clinics, and in intensive care units is important and will help rapid and targeted management decisions.
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF