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Review
. 2023;5(1):1.
doi: 10.1007/s42399-022-01316-9. Epub 2022 Nov 15.

The Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) by the Handheld Ultrasound Devices (HUDs) in the COVID-19 Scenario: a Review of the Literature

Antonio Martocchia  1 , Enrico Bentivegna  1 , Daniela Sergi  2 , Michelangelo Luciani  1 , Michela Barlattani  3 , Michele Fortunato Notarangelo  1 , Cinzia Piccoli  1 , Giorgio Sesti  3 , Paolo Martelletti  1
Affiliations
Review

The Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) by the Handheld Ultrasound Devices (HUDs) in the COVID-19 Scenario: a Review of the Literature

Antonio Martocchia et al. SN Compr Clin Med. 2023.

Abstract

The use of portable ultrasound (US) devices is increasing, due to its accessibility, versatility, non-invasiveness, and its significant support in the patient management, extending the traditional physical examination through the POCUS (point-of-care ultrasound). The pocket-size or handheld ultrasound devices (HUDs) can easily perform focused exams, not aiming to substitute for the high-end US systems (gold standard), since the HUDs usually have more limited functions. The HUDs are promising tools for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of the COVID-19 infection and its related disorders. In conclusion, the routine use of HUDs may ameliorate the management of COVID-19 pandemic, according to the guidelines for the POCUS approach and the procedures for the protection of the patients and the professionals.

Keywords: COVID-19; Echoscopy; Point-of-Care ultrasound; Portable ultrasound.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing InterestsThe authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

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Flowchart of the literature screening
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Bedside heart echoscopy report
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Derived heart echoscopy measurements
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Bedside lung echoscopy report
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Bedside abdomen echoscopy report
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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