Role of point of care ultrasound in COVID-19 pandemic: what lies beyond the horizon?

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.

Utility and diagnostic test properties of pulmonary and cardiovascular point of care ultra-sonography (POCUS) in COVID-19 patients admitted to critical care unit.

“…It has been highlighted that multi-organ sonography is relatively easy compared with a CT scan. [33] This POCUS of the lungs and cardiovascular system is not only useful in diagnosis of COVID-19 but also in management of complications [53] and prognosis.…”