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

ABSTRACT

Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography may be required in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID­19), resulting in direct contact with the patient and risk of transmitting the infection from patients to medical personnel. Therefore, we recommend to perform problem­oriented time­limited transthoracic examinations. Whenever possible, examinations should be analyzed offline, outside the isolation zones. Transesophageal echocardiography is considered an aerosol­generating procedure and should be performed only as a lifesaving procedure. Personnel should use appropriate personal protection equipment in the immediate vicinity of the patients in accordance with the relevant guidelines.