2D speckle-tracking echocardiography as a prognostic imaging modality for COVID-19 adverse outcomes

Aim: 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) has been used to assess cardiac recovery during the COVID-19 patient follow-ups within the pandemic. The novel role of STE in predicting adverse outcomes of COVID-19 has received attention due to its high sensitivity in identifying subclinical myocardial dysfunction. We reviewed the studies on using 2D-STE to assess COVID-19 prognosis. Methods: a literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus for eligible articles, 24 of which discussed using prognostic 2D-STE for COVID-19 patients. Results: 2D-STE predicts cardiovascular impairments more rapidly and precisely than conventional echocardiography. The 2D-STE technique presents an independent prognostic factor in COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: 2D-STE could be considered a time-efficient and accurate risk predictor of all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients.