Echocardiography during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: expert opinion of the Working Group on Echocardiography of the Polish Cardiac Society

• DOI: 10.33963/kp.15265
• Publication Date: 2020-03-30T11:12:07Z
• Authors: Andrzej Gackowski; Magdalena Lipczyńska; Piotr Lipiec; Piotr Szymański
• Keywords: Pandemic; Isolation; Personal Protective Equipment; Expert opinion; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak

Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography may be required in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), resulting direct contact the patient risk of transmitting infection from to medical personnel. Therefore, we recommend perform problem‑oriented time‑limited transthoracic examinations. Whenever possible, examinations should analyzed offline, outside isolation zones. Transesophageal is considered an aerosol‑generating procedure performed only as a lifesaving procedure. Personnel use appropriate personal protection equipment immediate vicinity accordance relevant guidelines.