Expert opinion of the Working Group on Echocardiography of the Polish Cardiac Society on performing echocardiographic examinations during COVID-19 pandemic.

Gackowski, Andrzej; Lipczyńska, Magdalena; Lipiec, Piotr; Szymański, Piotr

Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic examinations may be required in COVID-19 patients, resulting in direct contact with the patient and a risk of infection transmission from patients to personnel. Therefore, we recommend to perform problem-oriented, time-limited transthoracic studies. Whenever possible studies should be analyzed off-line outside isolation zones. Transesophageal echocardiography is considered an aerosol-generating procedure and should be performed only in lifesaving indications. Personnel should use appropriate personal protection equipment in the immediate vicinity of the patients, according to the relevant guidelines. Polish version of this document can be found in the "Supplementary data" tab.