Cardiac Performance in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients

Although COVID-19 affects primarily the respiratory system, several studies have shown evidence of cardiovascular alterations. Increased troponin levels were observed in a significant proportion of patients and this alteration was associated with higher mortality. In addition, case reports of cardiogenic shock or fulminant myocarditis have been communicated. Likewise, pulmonary embolism (PE), right ventricle dilation, and acute cor pulmonale (ACP) have also been described. Therefore, investigating cardiac function in COVID-19 is highly relevant, particularly in critically ill patients who are usually under sedation and mechanical ventilation, which may further impair cardiovascular function. Thus the objective is to determine the prevalence of left ventricle dysfunction and acute cor pulmonale, and its association with respiratory mechanics, in 100 consecutive critically ill COVID-19 patients, who were assessed with critical care echocardiography (CCE) within the first 24 hours of mechanical ventilation.