Does chest wall conformation influence myocardial strain parameters in COVID-19 patients with anxiety disorders?

Post-COVID-19 Condition and Pulmonary Embolism

Purpose

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including pulmonary vasculopathy, increasing thrombotic risk. Screening and treating survivors are essential to reduce associated disabilities. We aim to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with post-COVID-19 condition and pulmonary embolism, as well as their health-related quality of life one year after COVID-19 diagnosis.

Patients and Methods

In our study, we analyzed nine cases of post-COVID-19 condition and pulmonary embolism in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, symptoms, and outcomes, were recorded. One year post-diagnosis, patients underwent follow-up with lab tests, chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessments using the EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) tool.

Results

Post-COVID-19 condition with pulmonary embolism predominantly affects females. Common symptoms include breathlessness and chest pain, and a lung perfusion scan may be useful for diagnosis. The one-year follow-up of five patients mainly showed normal lab results and no active lung lesions. The mean EQ-5D score was 0.928 ± 0.119, and the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) was 85.00 ± 11.18. Pain/discomfort was the most reported issue.

Conclusion

This research reveals that post-COVID-19 condition with pulmonary embolism affects a significant number of women and those with preexisting conditions like cancer or diabetes. Symptoms overlap also complicates diagnosis. Although many lab results were normal, the elevated risk of pulmonary embolism persists. Lower utility scores and increased anxiety highlight the need for targeted interventions and mental health support. Our study underscores the importance of monitoring pulmonary embolism in patients after COVID-19 infection, given the significant impact on post-COVID-19 condition and overall health outcomes.

Echocardiographic evaluation of myocardial strain in bipolar disorder across different phases: A comparative study with healthy controls

This study aims to investigate the relationship between different phases of bipolar disorder (depressive, manic, and euthymic) and myocardial deformation, assessed by echocardiography, compared to healthy controls. It seeks to elucidate whether these phases of bipolar disorder are associated with different myocardial strain patterns, thus contributing to the understanding of cardiovascular implications in bipolar disorder. A cross-sectional design was employed at Dursun Odabaş Medical Centre, Psychiatry Clinic of Van Yüzüncü Yl University. The study enrolled 200 participants, divided into 4 groups: 50 in a depressive phase, 50 in a manic phase, 50 in an euthymic phase of bipolar disorder, and 50 healthy volunteers. Participants underwent detailed electrocardiographic and ECG evaluations, focusing on myocardial strain patterns and cardiac function. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and chi-square tests, were used to compare the groups. Significant differences in global longitudinal strain (GLS) values were observed between the groups. The manic phase group exhibited the highest GLS (21.51), followed by the euthymic (20.75), depressive (20.25), and healthy control groups (19.0). The E/A ratio of the mitral valve also varied, with the manic group displaying the highest ratio (1.21). Other echocardiographic parameters such as left atria size and Ejection Fraction also differed significantly between the groups. The study concluded that the phases of bipolar disorder are associated with distinct myocardial strain patterns, as evidenced by the variation in GLS values. The findings underscore the importance of cardiac monitoring in bipolar disorder, suggesting potential cardiac risks, particularly during the manic phase. This study advocates integrated care approaches, combining psychiatric and cardiac evaluations for patients with bipolar disorder.