Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for Ebola virus disease (EVD) might contribute to evaluate gravity, guide treatment, and finally improve prognosis and has not previously been described. This report delineates the safety, feasibility and clinical implications of systematic TEE for patients with EVD, in the setting of a deployed French military Ebola virus disease Treatment Center in Guinea.

In first 48 hours after admission for EVD, a TTE was performed. All patients were monitored by continue video survey and radio call. Data were collected prospectively on all cases to include TTE hemodynamic parameters, and evaluate EVD cardiac complications. Data were collected by in-live oral transmission to medical center, and correlated to blood test variables including I-Troponin and Brain Natriuretic Peptide.

Eight consecutive patients, hospitalized in March 29^th underwent TTE evaluation performed by a cardiologist during the first 48 hours of admission. Mean time in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was 82min. No virus accidental exposition during procedure was deplored. TTE were feasible for all patients and all parameters could be studied. All TTE showed signs of hypovolemia with low LV pressure filled despite 2 patients with dyspnea; 1 patient had pericarditis effusion (with inappropriate sinus bradycardia and elevated troponin), and 1 had previous aspect of ischemic cardiomyopathy with conserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Early use of TTE in Ebola virus disease is safe, effective and facilitates patient care. It should be considered a feasible additional exam, where physician expertise and resources allow. In our study, contrary to the hypotheses previously made, dyspnea had a non-hemodynamic origin (figure next page).