Publication:

A study on echocardiography findings in severe COVID-19 pneumonia patients

Background Whilst the COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory tract, it is also observed to cause a wide range of cardiac complications. Accordingly, the ECHO findings range from specific regional wall motion abnormalities to different degrees of global cardiac dysfunction. Thus, there is a need to better understand the interactions between COVID-19 and the cardiac functions.

Methods In this retrospective observational study, 86 subjects admitted with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were considered. Those with pre-existing heart-diseases were excluded. The ECHO parameters were assessed as right heart or left heart abnormalities; they were correlated with Inflammatory markers.

Results Right heart abnormality was the most common finding (51.1%). 23% had combined right and left heart abnormalities, 4.6% had left heart abnormality, rest 21% had a normal 2D-ECHO findings. 55.8% had evidence of pulmonary hypertension. RV dilatation and dysfunction is associated with a pro-thrombotic, inflammatory state reflected by elevation of CRP and D-dimer levels; however, these ECHO findings did not correlate with increase in marker levels (p=0.227, >0.05).

Conclusions RV dysfunction is more common than LV dysfunction among COVID-19 patients. 2D-ECHO findings may serve as a useful guide in optimization and modification of treatment strategies in critically ill COVID-19 patients, but are not independent predictors of mortality (p=0.09, >0.05).