Abstract
Introduction: The cardiovascular complications related to COVID-19 have
led to the need for echocardiographic services for these patients to
help with the management and identification of complications. The aim of
this study was to identify echocardiographic findings in COVID-19
infection and its utility in management. Methods: We included in our
study patients who were COVID-19 positive by polymerase chain reaction
test (PCR) and had echocardiogram done during the same admission.
Results: A total of 45 patients were evaluated, the mean age was 61.4 ±
12.2 years. Hypertension 29 (64%) and in diabetes mellitus in 25
patients ( 55%) were the most common comorbidities followed by
congestive heart failure(CHF) in 11 patients (24%), Coronary artery
disease (CAD) in 9 patients (20%) and valvular heart disease in 3
patients (7%). Eight patients (18%) had of myocardial injury suggested
by elevated troponin (n=44) and BNP was found to be elevated in 14
patients (35.8 %) (n=39) patients. Majority 93 % (n=29) had elevated
LDH and 87.8 % (n=33) had elevated ferritin. and D dimer 88 % (n=27).
14 patients had left ventricular dysfunction (31%). 6 patients with
right ventricular (RV) dilatation and 5 patients with reduced RVEF.
Pressure and volume overload were seen in 3 of our patients. In one
patient RV thrombus was visualized. Pulmonary pressure was found to be
elevated in 10 patients (24%). Conclusion: 2-dimensional
echocardiography can be an important bedside tool in the assessment of
left and right ventricular function and hemodynamic status COVID-19
patients.