Approach to Echocardiography in ARDS Patients in the Prone Position: A
Systematic Review
Abstract
Echocardiography is commonly utilized in patients with acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS) for assessment of cardiac function, volume
status, and the potential development of acute cor pulmonale. In severe
ARDS, prone positioning is frequently used, which imposes technical
challenges during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) image
acquisition. Moreover, prone positioning can affect cardiopulmonary
function in ways that are reflected on the echocardiographic findings in
this position. Historically, a transesophageal approach was recommended
when a patient is prone, with few studies reporting utility of TTE in
this setting. However, recent publications have begun to address this
knowledge gap. This review explores recent literature addressing the use
of TTE in prone patients with ARDS, with a special focus on the
cardiopulmonary effects of proning and potential solutions to the
technical difficulties that arise in this position.