Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound in COVID-19

Overview

Initial data from COVID-19 patients suggests that one of the primary causes of death is significant endothelial injury leading to blood clotting and impaired multiorgan microvascular perfusion. The current study uses a safe, convenient bedside imaging tool called contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to estimate the extent of microvascular perfusion impairment in the heart, kidneys and/or brain of COVID-19 pediatric patients in vivo and assess the significance of imaging findings by correlating to clinical outcomes. This pilot study will be conducted at one site, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The investigators plan to enroll and evaluate 30 patients.

The current study uses a safe, convenient bedside imaging tool called contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to measure the extent of microvascular perfusion impairment in the heart, kidneys and/or brain of COVID-19 pediatric patients and, as exploratory analysis, to assess the significance of imaging findings by correlating to clinical outcomes. Sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres (LumasonTM, Bracco Inc) is an FDA-approved ultrasound contrast agent. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound scan with a duration of approximately 15 minutes will be performed when a COVID-19 diagnosis has been made (or is highly suspected) according to established clinical procedures. One CEUS will be performed per patient, with up to 2 intravenous injections of the contrast agent. The dosing plan will be weight-adjusted, based on a dose of 0.03 mL/kg (with a maximum dose of 2.4 mL per injection). Organ perfusion will be evaluated in the heart, kidneys, and/or brain. Clinical outcomes during hospital stay will be collected for correlation to CEUS-based measures.