Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in COVID-19 patients: a pocket guide for radiologists
Michela Gabelloni, Lorenzo Faggioni, Dania Cioni, Vincenzo Mendola, Zeno Falaschi, Sara Coppola, Francesco Corradi, Alessandro Isirdi, Nicolò Brandi, Francesca Coppola, Vincenza Granata, Rita Golfieri, Roberto Grassi, Emanuele Neri
Abstract
During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been proposed as a possible therapy for COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. This pictorial review is intended to provide radiologists with up-to-date information regarding different types of ECMO devices, correct placement of ECMO cannulae, and imaging features of potential complications and disease evolution in COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO, which is essential for a correct interpretation of diagnostic imaging, so as to guide proper patient management.