A REVIEW OF RIGHT VENTRICULAR ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS AND RELATION WITH DISEASE OUTCOMES

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) primarily manifests with respiratory symptoms. However, it leads to increased mortality due to multi-organ involvement, among which the cardiovascular system is of paramount importance in determining the mortality and morbidity of COVID-19 patients. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in assessing cardiac function in COVID-19 patients. Our objective is to discuss the echocardiographic findings related to the right ventricle and their significance in the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients.

Methodology: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. A total of 8 studies were selected for review. We included original studies published between 2020 and 2022. Only studies involving hospitalized COVID-19 patients were considered.

Results: We identified 9 studies related to the echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac manifestations. Right ventricular alterations were examined in these studies, and the findings were categorized under the headings of anatomical and functional parameters of the right ventricle. The studies reported increased mortality in association with abnormal TAPSE and sPAP. RV-FAC was associated with increased admissions to the ICU. Among the anatomical parameters of the right ventricle, an increase in RVD was linked to increased mortality.

Conclusion: This review suggests that identifying echocardiographic parameters related to COVID-19 is crucial. Alterations in the functional parameters of echocardiography have greater prognostic value than anatomical parameters. Targeting such parameters will help avoid unnecessary investigations.

Key Words: Covid-19, cardiac dysfunction, corona, Echocardiography, Right ventricle