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Review
. 2020 Dec;45(8):715-718.
doi: 10.1007/s00059-020-04992-2. Epub 2020 Oct 16.

[Echocardiographic examinations in times of the COVID-19 pandemic : International recommendations and implementation]

[Article in German]
Michael Lichtenauer  1 , Erika Prinz  2 , Christina Granitz  2 , Bernhard Wernly  2 , Apollonia Daburger  2 , Uta C Hoppe  2
Affiliations
Review

[Echocardiographic examinations in times of the COVID-19 pandemic : International recommendations and implementation]

[Article in German]
Michael Lichtenauer et al. Herz. 2020 Dec.

Abstract
in English, German

Since its first appearance in December 2019, the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread all over the world at a rapid pace causing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Originating from the Chinese province Hubei, more than 29.4 million people globally have now been confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus and more than 930,000 patients have died so far from COVID-19 (situation as of 15 September 2020). The virus is mainly spread during close contact by small droplets and aerosols. During the close contact in medical examinations, such as echocardiography, the risk of contracting the virus is increased. Therefore, the use of personal protective equipment is recommended for the protection of patients and medical personnel alike. This article summarizes the current recommendations of international societies and describes the local implementation in Austria.

Seit Dezember 2019 hat sich das neuartige Coronavirus SARS-CoV‑2 („severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2“), das die Erkrankung COVID-19 („coronavirus disease 2019“) auslöst, mit rasanter Geschwindigkeit über die gesamte Welt ausgebreitet. Ausgehend von der chinesischen Provinz Hubei, wurden mittlerweile 29,4 Mio. Menschen weltweit infiziert, und es sind mehr als 930.000 an den Folgen der Erkrankung gestorben (Stand 15.09.2020). Das Virus verbreitet sich durch Tröpfcheninfektion sowie über Aerosole. Enger Körperkontakt stellt daher ein deutlich erhöhtes Risiko für eine Übertragung dar. Insbesondere bei Untersuchungen mit engem Körperkontakt sollten daher zum Schutz nicht nur der Patienten, sondern auch des medizinischen Personals Maßnahmen ergriffen werden. In diesem Artikel werden die aktuellen Empfehlungen von internationalen Fachgesellschaften zur Verwendung von persönlicher Schutzausrüstung sowie ihre lokale Implementierung dargestellt.

Keywords: Cardiovascular diagnostics; Coronavirus; Personal protective equipment; Risk of infection; SARS-CoV‑2.

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References

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