Diagnosis and treatment of emergency interventional ultrasound under the epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the diagnosis and treatment process and experience of emergency interventional ultrasound in our hospital under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic situation, so as to provide reference for the safe and effective implementation of interventional ultrasound during the epidemic. Methods This study summarized and reviewd the experience of interventional ultrasound for the diagnosis and treatment of three emergency patients in the department of ultrasound of our hospital during the COVID-19 epidemic, focusing on the screening of severe COVID-19 patients, the selection of indications for interventional puncture, the perioperative protection and postoperative management. Results According to epidemiological screening, patient 1 had close contact with the confirmed COVID-19 patient. Chest CT showed diffused interstitial exudation in the lower lobes of both lungs, and the patient was seen as a suspected case after consultation with the hospital expert group, who had retropharyngeal space infection on admission and needed to remove the infection focus quickly. COVID-19 was excluded in patient 2, who was diagnosed as acute episode of calculous incarcerated cholecystitis on admission, requiring rapid drainage of bile to relieve gallbladder obstruction. Patient 3 was excluded from COVID-19 and diagnosed as acute pericardial tamponade on admission, requiring rapid drainage of pericardial effusion. All 3 patients underwent strict COVID-19 screening procedures to identify the indications of interventional puncture. During the operation, tertiary protective measures were adopted for patient 1, and primary protective measures were adopted for the other two patients. Three severe patients were successfully treated by interventional ultrasound, with short average time, less bleeding and improved clinical symptoms. Conclusion Interventional ultrasound is minimally invasive, convenient and efficient, making it suitable for the emergency treatment during the COVID-19 epidemic. It can be used as an alternative to some emergency surgery, or provide a safe window period for confirmed or suspected severe COVID-19 patients. Our experience may provide a reference for the safe and effective practice of interventional ultrasound during the COVID-19 epidemic..