# Electronic Stethoscope Auscultation and Echocardiography in ARDS: Correlation and Prognostic Value for Mortality and ICU Length of Stay: A Prospective Observational Study

## TL;DR

This study shows that heart sounds detected with an electronic stethoscope in ARDS patients align with echocardiography results and can help predict mortality and ICU stay duration.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the clinical utility of electronic stethoscope auscultation in predicting outcomes in ARDS patients.

## Key findings

- Electronic stethoscope findings correlated with echocardiographic parameters like aortic stenosis and valvular regurgitation.
- RVSP and SOFA scores independently predicted ICU and 90-day mortality in ARDS patients.
- Valvular regurgitation severity predicted ICU length of stay and long-term survival.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) carries high mortality, with cardiovascular complications frequently contributing to adverse outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between cardiac auscultation using electronic stethoscopy and echocardiographic findings and evaluated their prognostic significance in mechanically ventilated ARDS patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 173 consecutive adults with ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation (June 2020–June 2021). Cardiac auscultation was performed using an electronic stethoscope at four standard valvular positions. Bedside echocardiography assessed ventricular function, valvular regurgitation, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), and inferior vena cava dimensions. Primary outcomes were ICU and 90-day mortality; the secondary outcome was ICU length of stay. Results: ICU mortality was 42.2% and 90-day mortality 46.8%. Auscultation findings correlated significantly with echocardiographic parameters: aortic stenosis murmur with an elevated aortic valve velocity (p = 0.009), and mitral/tricuspid regurgitation murmurs with corresponding color Doppler findings (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the mean daily SOFA score (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.57–3.64, p < 0.001) and RVSP (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.11, p = 0.006) independently predicted ICU mortality. For 90-day mortality, the APACHE II score (OR 1.25, p = 0.006), mean daily SOFA score (OR 1.54, p = 0.039), RVSP (OR 1.07, p = 0.020), and mitral regurgitation severity (OR 2.98, p = 0.031) were independent predictors. ICU length of stay was predicted by the mean daily SOFA score (r = 0.35, p < 0.001) and tricuspid regurgitation severity (r = 0.25, p = 0.012). Conclusions: Electronic stethoscope auscultation correlates with the echocardiographic findings in ARDS patients. The RVSP and SOFA scores independently predict mortality, while valvular regurgitation severity provides additional prognostic information for long-term survival and ICU resource utilization.