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The prevalence and importance of cardiac dysfunction in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Sweden is not yet established. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction and elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), and its influence on mortality in patients with COVID-19 in intensive care in Sweden.This was a multicentre observational study performed in five intensive care units (ICUs) in Sweden. Patients admitted to participating ICU with COVID-19 were examined with echocardiography within 72 h from admission and again after 4 to 7 days. Cardiac dysfunction was defined as left ventricular (LV) dysfunction (ejection fraction50% and/or regional hypokinesia) or right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (defined as TAPSE17 mm or visually assessed moderate/severe RV dysfunction).We included 132 patients, of whom 127 (96%) were intubated. Cardiac dysfunction was found in 42 (32%) patients. Most patients had cardiac dysfunction at the first assessment (n = 35) while a few developed cardiac dysfunction later (n = 7) and some changed type of dysfunction (n = 3). LV dysfunction was found in 21 and RV dysfunction in 19 patients, while 5 patients had combined dysfunction. Elevated PAP was found in 34 patients (26%) and was more common in patients with RV dysfunction. RV dysfunction and elevated PAP were independently associated with an increased risk of death (OR 3.98, p = .013 and OR 3.88, p = .007, respectively).Cardiac dysfunction occurs commonly in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Sweden. RV dysfunction and elevated PAP are associated with an increased risk of death.

Aims Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction can be triggered by non‐cardiac disease, such as sepsis, hypoxia, major haemorrhage, or severe stress (Takotsubo syndrome), but its clinical importance is not established. In this study, we evaluate the incidence and impact on mortality of LV dysfunction associated with critical illness. Methods and results In this single‐centre, observational study, consecutive patients underwent an echocardiographic examination within 24 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. LV systolic dysfunction was defined as an ejection fraction (EF)

Aims Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction can be triggered by non‐cardiac disease, such as sepsis, hypoxia, major haemorrhage, or severe stress (Takotsubo syndrome), but its clinical importance is not established. In this study, we evaluate the incidence and impact on mortality of LV dysfunction associated with critical illness. Methods and results In this single‐centre, observational study, consecutive patients underwent an echocardiographic examination within 24 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. LV systolic dysfunction was defined as an ejection fraction (EF)