Use of ultrasound in acute evaluation of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Norway, it is crucial to develop and utilize clinical tools for assessing and risk-stratifying patients with suspected coronary infection in the emergency room. Diagnostic use of ultrasound in viral pneumonias, including COVID-19 has proved to be very useful. The use of ultrasound will help to quickly detect growing lung changes compatible with increasing severity of the COVID-19 disease. At the same time, the use of ultrasound diagnostics in the emergency room could improve logistics and reduce exposure to other health personnel.
The purpose of the study is to assess whether discoveries via ultrasound correlates with other imaging diagnostics, as well as assessing whether ultrasound diagnostics can assist in risk stratification of patients with suspected COVID-19 infection. The project is conducted as a prospective multicenter study where ultrasound diagnostics will be performed on patients with suspected coronary infection in the emergency room. Data collection takes place as part of the daily clinical use of ultrasound in emergency rooms and is compared with other clinical patient data. The project is planned to be completed towards the end of 2021.