Multimodality imaging in evaluation of cardiovascular complications in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Standard evaluation and management of the patient with suspected or proven cardiovascular complications of COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is challenging. Routine history, physical examination, laboratory testing, electrocardiography and plain x-ray imaging may often suffice for such patients but given overlap between COVID-19 and typical cardiovascular diagnoses such as heart failure and acute myocardial infarction, need frequently arises for advanced imaging techniques to assist in differential diagnosis and management. This document provides guidance in several common scenarios among patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection and possible cardiovascular involvement, including chest discomfort with electrocardiographic changes, acute hemodynamic instability, newly-recognized left ventricular dysfunction, as well as imaging during the sub-acute/chronic phase of COVID-19. For each, we consider the role of biomarker testing to guide imaging decision-making, provide differential diagnostic considerations, and offer general suggestions regarding application of various advanced imaging techniques.