Point-of-care lung ultrasonography for early identification of mild COVID-19: a prospective cohort of outpatients in a Swiss screening center

• DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.23.21254150
• Publication Date: 2021-03-26T18:50:19Z
• Authors: Siméon Schaad; Thomas Brahier; Mary-Anne Hartley; Jean-Baptiste Cor...; Luca Bosso; Tanguy Espejo; Olivier Pantet; Olivier Hugli; Pierre-Nicolas Ca...; Jean-Yves Meuwly; Noémie Boillat-Bl...
• Keywords: Point of care

Abstract Background Early identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection is important to guide quarantine and reduce transmission. This study evaluates the diagnostic performance lung ultrasound (LUS), an affordable, consumable-free point-of-care tool, for COVID-19 screening. Methods prospective observational cohort included adults presenting with cough and/or dyspnea at a screening center Lausanne University Hospital between March 31 st May 8 th , 2020. Investigators recorded standardized LUS images videos in 10 zones per subject. Two blinded independent experts reviewed recording classified abnormal findings according pre-specified criteria investigate their predictive value diagnose PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs (COVID pos vs COVID neg ). We finally combined clinical derive multivariate logistic regression score. Results Of 134 patients, 23% (n=30/134) were 77% (n=103/134) ; 85%, (n=114/134) cases previously healthy healthcare workers within 2 5 days symptom onset (IQR). Abnormal significantly more frequent compared (45% versus 26%, p=0.045) mostly consisted focal pathologic B-lines. Combining score had area under receiver-operating curve 63.9% detect COVID-19, but improved 84.5% addition features Conclusions patients are likely have pathology by LUS. Our potential point care. Combination showed promising results, which need confirmation larger population. What already known subject Lung ultrasonography (LUS) consumable-free, easy-to-use, portable, non-radiating non-invasive tool that can be performed bedside: its pneumonia has been established. Recent studies conducted emergency department correlation diagnosis. ads first assessing outpatients mild acute respiratory tract infection. Mild negative. results