This observational study is designed to assess whether focused lung ultrasound examination can improve the diagnosis of COVID-19 lung disease and/or make an alternative diagnosis at a patient's initial hospital presentation. For patients with confirmed COVID-19 the study will also assess whether surveillance lung ultrasound examination can predict clinical outcome over the course of their hospital admission.
Study participants will be screened from and recruited on their entry into the suspected
COVID-19 admission pathway at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. In addition to usual clinical
care (including physical exam and observations, blood tests, nasopharyngeal swab for viral
PCR testing, and chest x-ray as standard), participants will undergo focused lung ultrasound
examination.
Participants who are negative for COVID-19 will be followed up to confirm their final
discharge diagnoses, and clinical outcome at either 3 months post-enrolment or discharge from
hospital.
Participants who are positive for COVID-19 will have regular focused lung ultrasound
examination during their hospital admission in addition to usual clinical care until their
treatment for COVID-19 is complete. Their discharge diagnoses and clinical outcome at either
3 months post-enrolment or discharge from hospital (whichever is later).
Diagnostic Test: Lung ultrasound
Focused lung ultrasound examination
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age greater than or equal to 18 years
- Suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19
- Able to provide informed consent to study participation
Exclusion Criteria:
- Age less than 18 years
- Inability to provide informed consent at the time of study enrolment
Derriford Hospital
Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom
John P Corcoran, BMBCh MRCP, Principal Investigator
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust