Echocardiographic Manifestations in COVID-19: A Review

Abstract

COVID-19 has rapidly spread around the world and threatened global health. Although this disease mainly affects the respiratory system, there is increasing evidence that SARS-CoV-2 also has effects on the cardiovascular system. Echocardiography is a valuable tool in the assessment of cardiovascular disease. It is cost-effective, widely available and provides information that can influence management. Given the risk of personnel infection and equipment contamination during echocardiography, leading world societies have recommended performing echocardiography only when a clinical benefit is likely, favouring focussed evaluations and using smaller portable equipment. In the past months, multiple reports have described a wide pattern of echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with COVID-19. This review summarises these findings and discusses the possible mechanisms involved.

Keywords: COVID-19; Echocardiography; Myocardial injury; Systemic inflammation; Ventricular function.

Figure 1

Echocardiographic manifestations in COVID-19 and possible mechanisms involved. Abbreviations: RV, right ventricular; LV, left ventricular; ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome; DVT, deep vein thrombosis; PE, pulmonary embolism.

Figure 2

POCUS vs complete echocardiographic evaluation: advantages, disadvantages and when to use. Abbreviations: POCUS, point-of-care cardiac ultrasound; LV, left ventricle; RV, right ventricle; LUS, lung ultrasound; IVC, inferior vena cava.