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

Echocardiography during the COVID-19 pandemic, an impact of the vaccination program: a 2021 update of the expert opinion of the Working Group on Echocardiography of the Polish Cardiac Society

“…The remaining available cardiology departments and personnel have been often advised to defer scheduled elective procedures, especially those associated with increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, such as transesophageal echocardiography. [1] Moreover, patients' fear of infection and the desire not to overburden the healthcare system have also been keeping them from seeking medical care in case of symptoms unrelated to COVID, both in urgent and chronic clinical scenarios. [20] Thus, COVID-19 pandemic has adversely influenced the care and treatment of cardiovascular patients.…”

“…In the previous Expert Opinion of the Working Group on Echocardiography of Polish Cardiac Society we provided recommendations for the echocardiographic services, in order to ensure maximum possible safety and efficiency of imagers facing epidemic threat. [1] Restrictions imposed on transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) examinations due to pandemic resulted in significant limitation of services to patients with cardiovascular diseases.…”

Narrative review of ultrasound in the management of the critically ill patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19): clinical applications in intensive care medicine

“… 56 In light of the high volume of patients due to the current pandemic it is important to minimize the time devoted to each study and perform targeted echocardiographies to answer easy questions. 57 …”

“…It can help diagnose fulminant myocarditis after visualization of the acute thickening of ventricular walls due to interstitial edema and segmental contractility alterations that trigger a reduced LVEF and, occasionally, left ventricular dilatation, right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and pericardial effusion without signs of hemodynamic compromise. 57 …”

When preserving life becomes imperative, quality of life is eclipsed! COVID-19 outbreak impacting patients with pelvic floor disorders undergoing pelvic floor rehabilitation

“…Rather, they were concerned that discontinuation of treatment could have affected their quality of life. Because a national shortage of personal protective equipment soon occurred, those willing to continue their treatment were invited to attend wearing their own masks and gloves. We registered the usual number of appointments until the lockdown was enforced, cancelling non‐emergency outpatient activities.…”