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The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging

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Open Access 14-12-2023 | Transthoracic Echocardiography | Original Paper

Efficacy and safety of use of ultrasound enhancing agent in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Authors: Gabriel Bioh, Christina Botrous, Roxy Senior

Published in: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging | Issue 3/2024

Abstract

Purpose

The efficacy and safety of ultrasound enhancing agent (UEA) was unknown in the COVID-19 hospitalized patients. We set out to establish the utility of UEA and its safety profile.

Methods

A retrospective observational study of prospectively assessed hospitalized patients referred for transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for suspected cardiac pathology due to COVID-19. The indications and subsequent ability to answer the indications for all TTE were reviewed, as well as impact on diagnosis and management. UEA safety was considered through 48 h mortality.

Results

From a total of 364 patients (mean age 64.8yrs, 64% males) hospitalized with COVID-19 with TTE requested, an indication could be identified in 363, and 61 required administration of UEA. Standard TTE was able to answer the original indication in 275 (75.8%) patients. This was increased to 322 (88.7%) patients, a relative increase of 17.1%, with the use of UEA (p < 0.001). There was subsequent change in diagnosis in 22 out of 61 (36%) patients receiving UEA and change in management in 13 out of 61 (21.3%). There was no significant increase in 48 h (p = 0.14) mortality with UEA use. The patient population of TTE with UEA versus TTE without UEA differed in having a higher incidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, right ventricular dilatation, and self-defined white ethnicity.

Conclusion

The use of UEA in COVID-19 hospitalized patients, including those who were critically ill, provided incremental information when compared to TTE without UEA resulting in both changes in diagnosis and management plan and appears to be safe.

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Title: Efficacy and safety of use of ultrasound enhancing agent in patients hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Gabriel Bioh
Christina Botrous
Roxy Senior
Publication date: 14-12-2023
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Keywords: Transthoracic Echocardiography
COVID-19
Echocardiography
Echocardiography
Published in: The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging / Issue 3/2024
Print ISSN: 1569-5794
Electronic ISSN: 1875-8312
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-023-03032-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Efficacy and safety of use of ultrasound enhancing agent in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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