Application of POCUS in patients with COVID-19 for acute respiratory distress syndrome management: a narrative review

BMC Pulm Med. 2022 Feb 5;22(1):52. doi: 10.1186/s12890-022-01841-2.

Abstract

COVID-19 has inflicted the world for over two years. The recent mutant virus strains pose greater challenges to disease prevention and treatment. COVID-19 can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and extrapulmonary injury. Dynamic monitoring of each patient's condition is necessary to timely tailor treatments, improve prognosis and reduce mortality. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is broadly used in patients with ARDS. POCUS is recommended to be performed regularly in COVID-19 patients for respiratory failure management. In this review, we summarized the ultrasound characteristics of COVID-19 patients, mainly focusing on lung ultrasound and echocardiography. Furthermore, we also provided the experience of using POCUS to manage COVID-19-related ARDS.

Keywords: ARDS; Acute respiratory distress syndrome; COVID-19; POCUS; Point-of-Care ultrasound; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnostic imaging*
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • Echocardiography*
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Point-of-Care Testing*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / virology
  • Respiratory Therapy / methods*