Value of transthoracic ultrasound in follow-up hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients

Background
In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is an increasing need for transthoracic ultrasound (TTU) as an accessible, rapid, bedside test in patient management. Yet, there is no agreement between the TTU and the previously established imaging modalities; like the chest computed tomography, in detecting pulmonary abnormalities in COVID-19. The aim of the research had been to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of TTU imaging in a bedside setting in COVID-19 patients in Menouf Chest Isolation Hospital.


Patients and methods
A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on 60 hospitalized studied cases with a positive RT-PCR of SARS-COV-2 test in Menouf Chest Designated Hospital for COVID-19 patients’ isolation during the period June 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Every patient had high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT)-chest, TTU on admission, and daily follow-up till the end of hospitalization. The patient were followed regarding corelation with HRCT-chest findings, ICU transfer, mechanical ventilation, mortality, and domiciliary oxygen.


Results
Sixty COVID-19 patients aged between 31 and 85 years (38.3 male and 61.7% female) were enrolled in this study. TTU scores had been well related to the CT results and could detect severity (as regards ICU admission, need for mechanical ventilation, and domiciliary oxygen). The follow-up of TTU can predict COVID-19 progression. Bedside TTU can potentially become a reliable tool for dynamic lung monitoring in ICU and play an important role if HRCT-chest cannot be done.


Conclusion
TTU scoring system allows the more quantitative use of TTU results and provides promising applications in COVID-19 studied cases. The TTU scores had been well related to the CT results and could detect severity (regarding ICU admission, need of mechanical ventilation, and domiciliary oxygen) and all-cause mortality.