Use of ultrasonography in COVID-19: Probing for success.

Abstract

The ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has put an immense strain on healthcare facilities around the world. Unique challenges are being faced in the adequate management of rapidly increasing number of cases while ensuring adequate healthcare providers apostrophe safety. Issues related to the difficulty of examination while wearing personal protective equipment, need for objectivity in triage and testing of patients, and evidence-based management of the critically ill has resulted in reliance on longitudinal radiological assessment. There are a number of portability, disinfection and radiation exposure related problems with the use of X-rays and computerized tomography (CT). Point of care ultrasonography provides a pragmatic, safe, and repeatable approach for addressing the pertinent clinical questions that have traditionally relied on X-rays and CT scans. Here, we summarize the use ultrasound assessment can play in the triage, identification, and subsequent management of patients with COVID-19.