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Chua MT, Boon Y, Yeoh CK, Li Z, Goh CJM, Kuan WS. Point-of-care ultrasound use in COVID-19: a narrative review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2024; 12:13. [PMID: 38304913 PMCID: PMC10777239 DOI: 10.21037/atm-23-1403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that began in early 2020 resulted in significant mortality from respiratory tract infections. Existing imaging modalities such as chest X-ray (CXR) lacks sensitivity in its diagnosis while computed tomography (CT) scan carries risks of radiation and contamination. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has the advantage of bedside testing with higher diagnostic accuracy. We aim to describe the various applications of POCUS for patients with suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU). Methods We performed literature search on the use of POCUS in the diagnosis and management of COVID-19 in MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases using the following search terms: "ultrasonography", "ultrasound", "COVID-19", "SARS-CoV-2", "SARS-CoV-2 variants", "emergency services", "emergency department" and "intensive care units". Search was performed independently by two reviewers with any discrepancy adjudicated by a third member. Key Content and Findings Lung POCUS in patients with COVID-19 shows different ultrasonographic features from pulmonary oedema, bacterial pneumonia, and other viral pneumonia, thus useful in differentiating between these conditions. It is more sensitive than CXR, and more accessible and widely available than CT scan. POCUS can be used to diagnose COVID-19 pneumonia, screen for COVID-19-related pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications, and guide management of ICU patients, such as timing of ventilator weaning based on lung POCUS findings. Conclusions POCUS is a useful and rapid point-of-care modality that can be used to aid in diagnosis, management, and risk stratification of COVID-19 patients in different healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mui Teng Chua
- Emergency Medicine Department, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuru Boon
- Emergency Medicine Department, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chew Kiat Yeoh
- Emergency Medicine Department, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zisheng Li
- Emergency Medicine Department, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Carmen Jia Man Goh
- Emergency Department, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Win Sen Kuan
- Emergency Medicine Department, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Ghallab M, Ashfaq S, Noff NC, Miller D, Hosna A, Foster A, Makhoul K, Parikh A, Lopez R. Point-of-Care Ultrasound Unveils Life-Threatening Conditions: A Case Series Highlighting Its Vital Diagnostic Role. Cureus 2023; 15:e47513. [PMID: 38021585 PMCID: PMC10664346 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a powerful diagnostic tool in healthcare, offering rapid and cost-effective evaluation of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. This case series highlights the vital role of POCUS in diagnosing life-threatening conditions and emphasizes the need for adequate training in its use. The first case describes a patient with chest pain, where POCUS revealed findings suggestive of thoracic aortic dissection, leading to timely transfer and surgical repair. The second case involves a patient with altered mental status and hypoxia, where POCUS identified a right atrial thrombus leading to thrombectomy. The discussion explores the expanding applications of POCUS in various medical specialties, including critical care and trauma, and its potential to improve patient outcomes. While POCUS has shown great promise, it remains a user-dependent technology, necessitating comprehensive training and collaboration among healthcare professionals to ensure its effective and safe use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ghallab
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Salman Ashfaq
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Nicole C Noff
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Daniel Miller
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Asma Hosna
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Allison Foster
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Karim Makhoul
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Avish Parikh
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, Queens, New York, USA
| | - Ricardo Lopez
- Critical Care Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, Queens, New York, USA
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Lombardi A, De Luca M, Fabiani D, Sabatella F, Del Giudice C, Caputo A, Cante L, Gambardella M, Palermi S, Tavarozzi R, Russo V, D’Andrea A. Ultrasound during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Global Approach. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12031057. [PMID: 36769702 PMCID: PMC9918296 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12031057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2) rapidly spread worldwide as COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019), causing a costly and deadly pandemic. Different pulmonary manifestations represent this syndrome's most common clinical manifestations, together with the cardiovascular complications frequently observed in these patients. Ultrasound (US) evaluations of the lungs, heart, and lower limbs may be helpful in the diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis of patients with COVID-19. Moreover, POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound) protocols are particularly useful for patients admitted to intensive care units. The present review aimed to highlight the clinical conditions during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in which the US represents a crucial diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lombardi
- Department of General Medicine, San Leonardo Hospital, 80053 Castellammare di Stabia, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria De Luca
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Fabiani
- Department of Cardiology, Luigi Vanvitelli University–Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Sabatella
- Department of Cardiology, Luigi Vanvitelli University–Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Del Giudice
- Department of Cardiology, Luigi Vanvitelli University–Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Adriano Caputo
- Department of Cardiology, Luigi Vanvitelli University–Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Cante
- Department of Cardiology, Luigi Vanvitelli University–Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Gambardella
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Palermi
- Public Health Department, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Tavarozzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Department of Cardiology, Luigi Vanvitelli University–Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonello D’Andrea
- Department of Cardiology, Luigi Vanvitelli University–Monaldi Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Cardiology, Umberto I Hospital, 84014 Nocera Inferiore, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Kirkpatrick AW, McKee JL, Couperus K, Colombo CJ. Patient Self-Performed Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Using Communication Technologies to Empower Patient Self-Care. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2884. [PMID: 36428945 PMCID: PMC9689087 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Point-of-Care ultrasound (POCUS) is an invaluable tool permitting the understanding of critical physiologic and anatomic details wherever and whenever a patient has a medical need. Thus the application of POCUS has dramatically expanded beyond hospitals to become a portable user-friendly technology in a variety of prehospital settings. Traditional thinking holds that a trained user is required to obtain images, greatly handicapping the scale of potential improvements in individual health assessments. However, as the interpretation of ultrasound images can be accomplished remotely by experts, the paradigm wherein experts guide novices to obtain meaningful images that facilitate remote care is being embraced worldwide. The ultimate extension of this concept is for experts to guide patients to image themselves, enabling secondary disease prevention, home-focused care, and self-empowerment of the individual to manage their own health. This paradigm of remotely telementored self-performed ultrasound (RTMSPUS) was first described for supporting health care on the International Space Station. The TeleMentored Ultrasound Supported Medical Interventions (TMUSMI) Research Group has been investigating the utility of this paradigm for terrestrial use. The technique has particular attractiveness in enabling surveillance of lung health during pandemic scenarios. However, the paradigm has tremendous potential to empower and support nearly any medical question poised in a conscious individual with internet connectivity able to follow the directions of a remote expert. Further studies and development are recommended in all areas of acute and chronic health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W. Kirkpatrick
- TeleMentored Ultrasound Supported Medical Interventions (TMUSMI) Research Group, Calgary, AB T3H 3W8, Canada
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine and Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jessica L. McKee
- TeleMentored Ultrasound Supported Medical Interventions (TMUSMI) Research Group, Calgary, AB T3H 3W8, Canada
| | - Kyle Couperus
- Ready Medic One (RMO) Research Group, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA
| | - Christopher J. Colombo
- Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Bethesda Maryland, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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