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Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is associated with disabling symptoms, poor quality of life, and a poor prognosis with substantial excess mortality in the years following diagnosis. Overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system is a key feature of the pathophysiology of HF and is an important driver of the process of adverse remodelling of the left ventricular wall that contributes to cardiac failure. Drugs which suppress the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, including β-blockers, are foundation therapies for the management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and despite a lack of specific outcomes trials, are also widely used by cardiologist in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Today, expert opinion has moved away from recommending that treatment for HF should be guided solely by the LVEF and interventions should rather address signs and symptoms of HF (e.g. oedema and tachycardia), the severity of HF, and concomitant conditions. β-blockers improve HF symptoms and functional status in HF and these agents have demonstrated improved survival, as well as a reduced risk of other important clinical outcomes such as hospitalisation for heart failure, in randomised, placebo-controlled outcomes trials. In HFpEF, β-blockers are anti-ischemic and lower blood pressure and heart rate. Moreover, β-blockers also reduce mortality in the setting of HF occurring alongside common comorbid conditions, such as diabetes, CKD (of any severity), and COPD. Higher doses of β-blockers are associated with better clinical outcomes in populations with HF, so that ensuring adequate titration of therapy to their maximal (or maximally tolerated) doses is important for ensuring optimal outcomes for people with HF. In principle, a patient with HF could have combined treatment with a β-blocker, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor/neprilysin inhibitor, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and a SGLT2 inhibitor, according to tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mucio Tavares de Oliveira
- Heart Institute, Day Hospital and Infusion Center, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Infusion Center and Day Hospital at Heart Institute (InCor), University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui Baptista
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Entre Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
| | | | - Marcely Gimenes Bonatto
- Department of Heart Failure and Heart Transplant, Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de, Curitiba, Brazil
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Ono R, Iwahana T, Aoki K, Kato H, Okada S, Kobayashi Y. Fulminant Myocarditis with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review from the Case Studies. Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol 2024; 2024:9000598. [PMID: 38469104 PMCID: PMC10927348 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9000598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
One of the severe complications of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is myocarditis. However, the characteristics of fulminant myocarditis with SARS-CoV-2 infection are still unclear. We systematically reviewed the previously reported cases of fulminant myocarditis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection from January 2020 to December 2022, identifying 108 cases. Of those, 67 were male and 41 female. The average age was 34.8 years; 30 patients (27.8%) were ≤20 years old, whereas 10 (9.3%) were ≥60. Major comorbidities included hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, asthma, heart disease, gynecologic disease, hyperlipidemia, and connective tissue disorders. Regarding left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at admission, 93% of the patients with fulminant myocarditis were classified as having heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 40%). Most of the cases were administered catecholamines (97.8%), and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was required in 67 cases (62.0%). The type of MCS was extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 56, 83.6%), percutaneous ventricular assist device (Impella®) (n = 19, 28.4%), intra-aortic balloon pumping (n = 12, 12.9%), or right ventricular assist device (n = 2, 3.0%); combination of these devices occurred in 20 cases (29.9%). The average duration of MCS was 7.7 ± 3.8 days. Of the 76 surviving patients whose cardiac function was available for follow-up, 65 (85.5%) recovered normally. The overall mortality rate was 22.4%, and the recovery rate was 77.6% (alive: 83 patients, dead: 24 patients; outcome not described: 1 patient).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Ono
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Togo Iwahana
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Kaoruko Aoki
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Kato
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Sho Okada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kobayashi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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Cersosimo A, Di Pasquale M, Arabia G, Metra M, Vizzardi E. COVID myocarditis: a review of the literature. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2023. [PMID: 37930657 DOI: 10.4081/monaldi.2023.2784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is a potentially fatal complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. COVID-19 myocarditis appears to have distinct inflammatory characteristics that distinguish it from other viral etiologies. COVID-19 myocarditis can present with symptoms ranging from dyspnea and chest pain to acute heart failure and death. It is critical to detect any cases of myocarditis, especially fulminant myocarditis, which can be characterized by signs of heart failure and arrhythmias. Serial troponins, echocardiography, and electrocardiograms should be performed as part of the initial workup for suspected myocarditis. The second step in detecting myocarditis is cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and endomyocardial biopsy. Treatment for COVID-19 myocarditis is still debatable; however, combining intravenous immunoglobulins and corticosteroids may be effective, especially in cases of fulminant myocarditis. Overall, more research is needed to determine the incidence of COVID-19 myocarditis , and the use of intravenous immunoglobulins and corticosteroids in combination requires large randomized controlled trials to determine efficacy. The purpose of this review is to summarize current evidence on the subject. This review aims to summarise current evidence on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Cersosimo
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia.
| | - Mattia Di Pasquale
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia.
| | - Gianmarco Arabia
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia.
| | - Marco Metra
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia.
| | - Enrico Vizzardi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia.
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Arbelo E, Protonotarios A, Gimeno JR, Arbustini E, Barriales-Villa R, Basso C, Bezzina CR, Biagini E, Blom NA, de Boer RA, De Winter T, Elliott PM, Flather M, Garcia-Pavia P, Haugaa KH, Ingles J, Jurcut RO, Klaassen S, Limongelli G, Loeys B, Mogensen J, Olivotto I, Pantazis A, Sharma S, Van Tintelen JP, Ware JS, Kaski JP. 2023 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiomyopathies. Eur Heart J 2023; 44:3503-3626. [PMID: 37622657 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 138.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
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Olarte-Castillo XA, Licitra BN, André NM, Sierra MA, Mason CE, Goodman LB, Whittaker GR. Intra-host variation in the spike S1/S2 region of a feline coronavirus type-1 in a cat with persistent infection. bioRxiv 2023:2023.07.31.551356. [PMID: 37577589 PMCID: PMC10418068 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.31.551356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Feline coronavirus type 1 (FCoV-1) is widely known for causing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a systemic infection that is often fatal, with the virus known as the FIPV biotype. However, subclinical disease also occurs, in which cats may not show signs and intermittently shed the virus, including in feces, possibly for long periods of time. This virus is known as the FECV biotype. Progression of FECV to FIPV has been linked to several genomic changes, however a specific region of the viral spike protein at the interface of the spike S1 and S2 domains has been especially implicated. In this study, we followed a cat (#576) for six years from 2017, at which time FCoV-1 was detected in feces and conjunctival swabs, until 2022, when the animal was euthanized based on a diagnosis of alimentary small cell lymphoma. Over this time period, the cat was clinically diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease and chronic rhinitis, and cardiac problems were also suspected. Using hybridization capture targeting the spike (S) gene of FCoV followed by next-generation sequencing, we screened 27 clinical samples. We detected FCoV-1 in 4 samples taken in 2017 (intestine and nasal tissue, feces, and conjunctiva), and 3 samples taken in 2022 (feces, and intestinal and heart tissue), but not in fecal samples taken in 2019 and 2020. Next, we focused on the S1/S2 region within S, which contains the furin cleavage site (FCS), a key regulator of viral transmission and pathogenesis. We show that the FCoV-1 variants obtained from feces in 2017 and 2022 were identical, while the ones from conjunctiva (2017), heart (2022), and intestine (2017 and 2022) were distinct. Sequence comparison of all the variants obtained showed that most of the non-synonymous changes in the S1/S2 region occur within the FCS. In the heart, we found two variants that differed by a single nucleotide, resulting in distinct FCS motifs that differ in one amino acid. It is predicted that one of these FCS motifs will down-regulate spike cleavability. The variant from the conjunctiva (2017) had a 6-nucleotide in-frame insertion that resulted in a longer and more exposed S1/S2 loop, which is predicted to be more accessible to the furin protease. Our studies indicate that FCoV-1 can independently persist in the gastrointestinal tract and heart of a cat over a long period of time without evidence of typical FIP signs, with intermittent viral shedding from the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
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Palmisano A, Vignale D, Bruno E, Peretto G, De Luca G, Campochiaro C, Tomelleri A, Agricola E, Montorfano M, Esposito A. Cardiac magnetic resonance findings in acute and post-acute COVID-19 patients with suspected myocarditis. J Clin Ultrasound 2023; 51:613-621. [PMID: 36544331 PMCID: PMC9878084 DOI: 10.1002/jcu.23416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiac injury is commonly reported in COVID-19 patients, resulting associated to pre-existing cardiovascular disease, disease severity, and unfavorable outcome. Aim is to report cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings in patients with myocarditis-like syndrome during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection (AMCovS) and post-acute phase (cPACS). METHODS Between September 2020 and January 2022, 39 consecutive patients (24 males, 58%) were referred to our department to perform a CMR for the suspicion of myocarditis related to AMCovS (n = 17) and cPACS (n = 22) at multimodality evaluation (clinical, laboratory, ECG, and echocardiography). CMR was performed for the assessment of volume, function, edema and fibrosis with standard sequences and mapping techniques. CMR diagnosis and the extension and amount of CMR alterations were recorded. RESULTS Patients with suspected myocarditis in acute and post-COVID settings were mainly men (10 (59%) and 12 (54.5%), respectively) with older age in AMCovS (58 [48-64]) compared to cPACS (38 [26-53]). Myocarditis was confirmed by CMR in most of cases: 53% of AMCovS and 50% of cPACS with negligible LGE burden (3 [IQR, 1-5] % and 2 [IQR, 1-4] %, respectively). Myocardial infarction was identified in 4/17 (24%) patients with AMCovS. Cardiomyopathies were identified in 12% (3/17) and 27% (6/22) of patients with AMCovS and cPACS, including DCM, HCM and mitral valve prolapse. CONCLUSIONS In patients with acute and post-acute COVID-19 related suspected myocarditis, CMR improves diagnostic accuracy characterizing ischemic and non-ischemic injury and unraveling subclinical cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Palmisano
- Clinical and Experimental Radiology Unit, Experimental Imaging CenterIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Davide Vignale
- Clinical and Experimental Radiology Unit, Experimental Imaging CenterIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Elisa Bruno
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Giovanni Peretto
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology and ArrhythmologyIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Giacomo De Luca
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseasesIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseasesIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Alessandro Tomelleri
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseasesIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Eustachio Agricola
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Cardio‐Thoracic‐Vascular DepartmentIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Matteo Montorfano
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
- Interventional Cardiology UnitIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
| | - Antonio Esposito
- Clinical and Experimental Radiology Unit, Experimental Imaging CenterIRCCS San Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- School of MedicineVita‐Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
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Luo S, Zhang X, Xiao X, Luo W, Yang Z, Tang S, Huang W. Exploring Potential Biomarkers and Molecular Mechanisms of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and COVID-19 Comorbidity Based on Bioinformatics and Systems Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076511. [PMID: 37047484 PMCID: PMC10094917 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular complications combined with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) lead to a poor prognosis in patients. The common pathogenesis of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and COVID-19 is still unclear. Here, we explored potential molecular mechanisms and biomarkers for ICM and COVID-19. Common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ICM (GSE5406) and COVID-19 (GSE164805) were identified using GEO2R. We performed enrichment and protein–protein interaction analyses and screened key genes. To confirm the diagnostic performance for these hub genes, we used external datasets (GSE116250 and GSE211979) and plotted ROC curves. Transcription factor and microRNA regulatory networks were constructed for the validated hub genes. Finally, drug prediction and molecular docking validation were performed using cMAP. We identified 81 common DEGs, many of which were enriched in terms of their relation to angiogenesis. Three DEGs were identified as key hub genes (HSP90AA1, HSPA9, and SRSF1) in the protein–protein interaction analysis. These hub genes had high diagnostic performance in the four datasets (AUC > 0.7). Mir-16-5p and KLF9 transcription factor co-regulated these hub genes. The drugs vindesine and ON-01910 showed good binding performance to the hub genes. We identified HSP90AA1, HSPA9, and SRSF1 as markers for the co-pathogenesis of ICM and COVID-19, and showed that co-pathogenesis of ICM and COVID-19 may be related to angiogenesis. Vindesine and ON-01910 were predicted as potential therapeutic agents. Our findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the comorbidity of ICM with COVID-19.
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Grassi S, Arena V, Zedda M, Cazzato F, Cianci R, Gambassi G, Oliva A. What can autopsy say about COVID-19? A case series of 60 autopsies. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 62:102241. [PMID: 36924619 PMCID: PMC10008096 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autopsies in SARS-CoV-2 infected cadavers are mainly performed to distinguish patients who died with SARS-CoV-2 infection from those who died of COVID-19. The aim of the current study is to assess the most frequent autopsy findings in patients who died of COVID-19 and to establish an association with clinical records. MATERIALS AND METHODS 60 patients died between April 2020 and March 2021 after SARS-CoV-2 infection underwent a full autopsy performed at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS (Rome). Ante-mortem diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was microbiologically confirmed. RESULTS 55 (92%) of cases had at least a comorbidity. At microscopic examination, 40 (67%) of the patients presented pulmonary intravascular coagulation with an inflammatory pattern. Pulmonary microangiopathy was a rare finding (n = 8; 13%). Myocardiosclerosis was the main heart finding (n = 44; 73%). Liver involvement with congestion and hypotrophy was found in 33 (55%) of cadavers. Renal tubular epithelial exfoliation (n = 12; 20%) and intravascular coagulation (n = 4; 7%) were frequent observations. During hospitalization 31% of patients (n = 19) developed acute kidney injury (AKI). CONCLUSIONS Lungs and kidneys have been shown to play a pivotal role in COVID-19. The gradual worsening of renal function and AKI might be the result of the progressive collapse of cardiopulmonary system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Grassi
- Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence 50134, Italy; Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arena
- Area of Pathology, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome 00147, Italy
| | - Massimo Zedda
- Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cazzato
- Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Giovanni Gambassi
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Rome, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Antonio Oliva
- Legal Medicine, Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Wang L, Hoang L, Aten K, Abualfoul M, Canela V, Prathivada S, Vu M, Zhao Y, Sidhu M. Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Hospitalized Patients With Atrial Fibrillation With COVID-19. Am J Cardiol 2023; 189:41-48. [PMID: 36502570 PMCID: PMC9731831 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2022.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 results in increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). However, little is known about the combined effect of AF and COVID-19 on patient outcomes. This study aimed to determine if AF, specifically new-onset AF (NOAF), is associated with increased risk of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. This multicenter retrospective analysis identified 2,732 patients with COVID-19 admitted between March and December 2020. Data points were manually reviewed in the patients' electronic health records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess if AF was associated with death or MACE. Patients with AF (6.4%) had an increased risk of mortality (risk ratio 2.249, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.766 to 2.864, p <0.001) and MACE (risk ratio 1.753, 95% CI 1.473 to 2.085, p <0.001) compared with those with sinus rhythm. Patients with NOAF had an increased risk of mortality compared with those with existing AF (odds ratio 19.30, 95% CI 5.39 to 69.30, p <0.001); the risk of MACE was comparable between NOAF and patients with existing AF (p = 1). AF during hospitalization with COVID-19 is associated with a higher risk of mortality and MACE. NOAF in patients with COVID-19 is associated with a higher risk of mortality but a similar risk of MACE compared with patients with existing AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine,Corresponding author: Tel: 254-716-0273; fax: (214) 947-8181
| | | | | | | | | | - Sri Prathivada
- Clinical Research Institute, Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Internal Medicine
| | - Manavjot Sidhu
- Methodist Dallas Cardiovascular Consultants, Methodist Medical Group, Division of Cardiology
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Margaroli C, Benson P, Gastanadui MG, Song C, Viera L, Xing D, Wells JM, Patel R, Gaggar A, Payne GA. Spatial transcriptomic profiling of coronary endothelial cells in SARS-CoV-2 myocarditis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1118024. [PMID: 36968839 PMCID: PMC10034160 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1118024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Our objective was to examine coronary endothelial and myocardial programming in patients with severe COVID-19 utilizing digital spatial transcriptomics. Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has well-established links to thrombotic and cardiovascular events. Endothelial cell infection was initially proposed to initiate vascular events; however, this paradigm has sparked growing controversy. The significance of myocardial infection also remains unclear. Methods Autopsy-derived cardiac tissue from control (n = 4) and COVID-19 (n = 8) patients underwent spatial transcriptomic profiling to assess differential expression patterns in myocardial and coronary vascular tissue. Our approach enabled transcriptional profiling in situ with preserved anatomy and unaltered local SARS-CoV-2 expression. In so doing, we examined the paracrine effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cardiac tissue. Results We observed heterogeneous myocardial infection that tended to colocalize with CD31 positive cells within coronary capillaries. Despite these differences, COVID-19 patients displayed a uniform and unique myocardial transcriptional profile independent of local viral burden. Segmentation of tissues directly infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed unique, pro-inflammatory expression profiles including upregulated mediators of viral antigen presentation and immune regulation. Infected cell types appeared to primarily be capillary endothelial cells as differentially expressed genes included endothelial cell markers. However, there was limited differential expression within the endothelium of larger coronary vessels. Conclusion Our results highlight altered myocardial programming during severe COVID-19 that may in part be associated with capillary endothelial cells. However, similar patterns were not observed in larger vessels, diminishing endotheliitis, and endothelial activation as key drivers of cardiovascular events during COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Margaroli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Program in Protease/Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Paul Benson
- Department of Pathology, Division of Anatomic Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Maria G. Gastanadui
- Cardiopulmonary Research Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Chunyan Song
- Program in Protease/Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Cardiopulmonary Research Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Liliana Viera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Program in Protease/Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Dongqi Xing
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Program in Protease/Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Cardiopulmonary Research Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Vascular Biology and Hypertension Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - J. Michael Wells
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Program in Protease/Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Cardiopulmonary Research Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Vascular Biology and Hypertension Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Medical Service at Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Rakesh Patel
- Program in Protease/Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Center for Free Radical Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Amit Gaggar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Program in Protease/Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Cardiopulmonary Research Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Lung Health Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Vascular Biology and Hypertension Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Medical Service at Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Gregory A. Payne
- Program in Protease/Matrix Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Cardiopulmonary Research Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Vascular Biology and Hypertension Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Medical Service at Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Comprehensive Cardiovascular Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- *Correspondence: Gregory A. Payne,
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11
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Shah S, Haeger-Overstreet K, Flynn B. Methotrexate-induced acute cardiotoxicity requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2022; 16:447. [PMID: 36443884 PMCID: PMC9707053 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03644-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methotrexate is an antifolate antimetabolite that inhibits the activity of dihydrofolate reductase by acting as a false substrate, which leads to defects of DNA synthesis, specifically the inhibition of purine and pyrimidine synthesis. Thus, methotrexate is a powerful agent for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer. In general, methotrexate is thought to be cardioprotective and reports of methotrexate-induced cardiomyopathy are rare. We present a case of methotrexate-induced severe cardiotoxicity diagnosed by exclusion of all other potential causes. CASE PRESENTATION The patient was a 54-year-old Caucasian man presenting to an outside hospital with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and bloating who reported taking methotrexate up to 20 mg per week for systemic sclerosis. After a transthoracic echocardiogram found a left ventricular ejection fraction of 10% and coronary catheterization demonstrated no significant disease, he was transferred to our hospital for advanced heart failure therapies. His condition deteriorated, and he was eventually placed on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Owing to a lack of an identifiable etiology of cardiac failure, toxicology consultation recommended 24 hours of intravenous leucovorin therapy to overcome any residual and potentially cardiotoxic methotrexate still in his system. Over the next 5 days, his cardiac function improved daily, such that on day 5 of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, he had a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% and was able to be decannulated. Two days later, his ejection fraction improved to 60% and normal right ventricular function. Initially, his renal function improved while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but over the next week deteriorated such that he required intermittent hemodialysis until hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS After a process of elimination, the most likely cause of this patient's acute decline and rapid recovery of bi-ventricular function was methotrexate toxicity. Leucovorin may have aided the reversal of methotrexate toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareena Shah
- University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, 2411 Holmes, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
| | - Kristen Haeger-Overstreet
- Department of Pharmacy, The University of Kansas Health System, 4000 Cambridge St., Mail Stop 4040, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Brigid Flynn
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Kansas Health System, Mail Stop 1034, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
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12
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Merchant SA, Nadkarni P, Shaikh MJS. Augmentation of literature review of COVID-19 radiology. World J Radiol 2022; 14:342-351. [PMID: 36186515 PMCID: PMC9521431 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v14.i9.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We suggest an augmentation of the excellent comprehensive review article titled “Comprehensive literature review on the radiographic findings, imaging modalities, and the role of radiology in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic” under the following categories: (1) “Inclusion of additional radiological features, related to pulmonary infarcts and to COVID-19 pneumonia”; (2) “Amplified discussion of cardiovascular COVID-19 manifestations and the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in monitoring and prognosis”; (3) “Imaging findings related to fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, optical, thermal and other imaging modalities/devices, including ‘intelligent edge’ and other remote monitoring devices”; (4) “Artificial intelligence in COVID-19 imaging”; (5) “Additional annotations to the radiological images in the manuscript to illustrate the additional signs discussed”; and (6) “A minor correction to a passage on pulmonary destruction”.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prakash Nadkarni
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Mohd Javed Saifullah Shaikh
- Department of Radiology, North Bengal Neuro Centre - Jupiter MRI & Diagnostic Centre, Siliguri 734003, West Bengal, India
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13
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Margaroli C, Benson P, Gastanadui MG, Song C, Viera L, Xing D, Wells JM, Patel R, Gaggar A, Payne GA. Spatial transcriptomic profiling of coronary endothelial cells in SARS-CoV-2 myocarditis. bioRxiv 2022:2022.09.25.509426. [PMID: 36203548 PMCID: PMC9536040 DOI: 10.1101/2022.09.25.509426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our objective was to examine coronary endothelial and myocardial programming in patients with severe COVID-19 utilizing digital spatial transcriptomics. BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has well-established links to thrombotic and cardiovascular events. Endothelial cell infection was initially proposed to initiate vascular events; however, this paradigm has sparked growing controversy. The significance of myocardial infection also remains unclear. METHODS Autopsy-derived cardiac tissue from control (n = 4) and COVID-19 (n = 8) patients underwent spatial transcriptomic profiling to assess differential expression patterns in myocardial and coronary vascular tissue. Our approach enabled transcriptional profiling in situ with preserved anatomy and unaltered local SARS-CoV-2 expression. In so doing, we examined the paracrine effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cardiac tissue. RESULTS We observed heterogeneous myocardial infection that tended to colocalize with CD31 positive cells within coronary capillaries. Despite these differences, COVID-19 patients displayed a uniform and unique myocardial transcriptional profile independent of local viral burden. Segmentation of tissues directly infected with SARS-CoV-2 showed unique, pro-inflammatory expression profiles including upregulated mediators of viral antigen presentation and immune regulation. Infected cell types appeared to primarily be capillary endothelial cells as differentially expressed genes included endothelial cell markers. However, there was limited differential expression within the endothelium of larger coronary vessels. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight altered myocardial programming during severe COVID-19 that may in part be associated with capillary endothelial cells. However, similar patterns were not observed in larger vessels, diminishing endotheliitis and endothelial activation as key drivers of cardiovascular events during COVID-19. CONDENSED ABSTRACT SARS-CoV-2 is linked to thrombotic and cardiovascular events; however, the mechanism remains uncertain. Our objective was to examine coronary endothelial and myocardial programming in patients with severe COVID-19 utilizing digital spatial transcriptomics. Autopsy-derived coronary arterial and cardiac tissues from control and COVID-19 patients underwent spatial transcriptomic profiling. Our approach enabled transcriptional profiling in situ with preserved anatomy and unaltered local SARS-CoV-2 expression. We observed unique, pro-inflammatory expression profiles among all COVID-19 patients. While heterogeneous viral expression was noted within the tissue, SARS-CoV-2 tended to colocalize with CD31 positive cells within coronary capillaries and was associated with unique expression profiles. Similar patterns were not observed in larger coronary vessels. Our results highlight altered myocardial programming during severe COVID-19 that may in part be associated with capillary endothelial cells. Such results diminish coronary arterial endotheliitis and endothelial activation as key drivers of cardiovascular events during COVID-19 infection. LIST OF HIGHLIGHTS SARS-CoV-2 has variable expression patterns within the myocardium of COVID-19 patientsSARS-CoV-2 infection induces a unique myocardial transcriptional programming independent of local viral burdenSARS-CoV-2 myocarditis is predominantly associated with capillaritis, and tissues directly infected with SARS-CoV-2 have unique, pro-inflammatory expression profilesDiffuse endothelial activation of larger coronary vessels was absent, diminishing large artery endotheliitis as a significant contributor to cardiovascular events during COVID-19 infection.
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14
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Briller JE, Aggarwal NR, Davis MB, Hameed AB, Malhamé I, Mahmoud Z, McDonald EG, Moraes de Oliveira G, Quesada O, Scott NS, Sharma J. Cardiovascular Complications of Pregnancy-Associated COVID-19 Infections. JACC: Advances 2022; 1:100057. [PMID: 35967591 PMCID: PMC9364954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2022.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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Seyedjavadi SS, Bagheri P, Nasiri MJ, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M, Goudarzi M. Fungal Infection in Co-infected Patients With COVID-19: An Overview of Case Reports/Case Series and Systematic Review. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:888452. [PMID: 35875562 PMCID: PMC9298665 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.888452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal co-infections are frequent in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can affect patient outcomes and hamper therapeutic efforts. Nonetheless, few studies have investigated fungal co-infections in this population. This study was performed to assess the rate of fungal co-infection in patients with COVID-19 as a systematic review. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched considering broad-based search criteria associated with COVID-19 and fungal co-infection. We included case reports and case series studies, published in the English language from January 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021, that reported clinical features, diagnosis, and outcomes of fungal co-infection in patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Totally, 54 case reports and 17 case series were identified, and 181 patients (132 men, 47 women, and 2 not mentioned) co-infected with COVID-19 and fungal infection enrolled. The frequency of fungal co-infection among patients with COVID-19 was 49.7, 23.2, 19.8, 6.6, and 0.5% in Asia, America, Europe, Africa, and Australia, respectively. Diabetes (59.6%) and hypertension (35.9%) were found as the most considered comorbidities in COVID-19 patients with fungal infections. These patients mainly suffered from fever (40.8%), cough (30.3%), and dyspnea (23.7%). The most frequent findings in the laboratory results of patients and increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) (33.1%) and ferritin (18.2%), and lymphopenia (16%) were reported. The most common etiological agents of fungal infections were Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp., Rhizopus spp., and Candida spp. reported in study patients. The mortality rate was 54.6%, and the rate of discharged patients was 45.3%. Remdesivir and voriconazole were the most commonly used antiviral and antifungal agents for the treatment of patients. The global prevalence of COVID-19-related deaths is 6.6%. Our results showed that 54.6% of COVID-19 patients with fungal co-infections died. Thus, this study indicated that fungal co-infection and COVID-19 could increase mortality. Targeted policies should be considered to address this raised risk in the current pandemic. In addition, fungal infections are sometimes diagnosed late in patients with COVID-19, and the severity of the disease worsens, especially in patients with underlying conditions. Therefore, patients with fungal infections should be screened regularly during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 patients with fungal co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parmida Bagheri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Nasiri
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Jakobi T, Groß J, Cyganek L, Doroudgar S. Transcriptional Effects of Candidate COVID-19 Treatments on Cardiac Myocytes. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:844441. [PMID: 35686037 PMCID: PMC9170897 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.844441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, placing unprecedented pressure on healthcare. Cardiomyopathy is described in patients with severe COVID-19 and increasing evidence suggests that cardiovascular involvement portends a high mortality. To facilitate fast development of antiviral interventions, drugs initially developed to treat other diseases are currently being repurposed as COVID-19 treatments. While it has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 invades cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2), the effect of drugs currently repurposed to treat COVID-19 on the heart requires further investigation.MethodsHuman induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were treated with five repurposed drugs (remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, lopinavir/ritonavir/interferon beta (INF-β), hydroxychloroquine, and chloroquine) and compared with DMSO controls. Transcriptional profiling was performed to identify global changes in gene expression programs.ResultsRNA sequencing of hiPSC-CMs revealed significant changes in gene programs related to calcium handling and the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, most prominently for lopinavir/ritonavir and lopinavir/ritonavir/interferon-beta. The results of the differential gene expression analysis are available for interactive access at https://covid19drugs.jakobilab.org.ConclusionTranscriptional profiling in hiPSC-CMs treated with COVID-19 drugs identified unfavorable changes with lopinavir/ritonavir and lopinavir/ritonavir/INF-β in key cardiac gene programs that may negatively affect heart function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Jakobi
- Department of Internal Medicine and the Translational Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Arizona – College of Medicine – Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Tobias Jakobi,
| | - Julia Groß
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lukas Cyganek
- Stem Cell Unit, Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shirin Doroudgar
- Department of Internal Medicine and the Translational Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Arizona – College of Medicine – Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- Shirin Doroudgar,
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Ali M, Shiwani HA, Elfaki MY, Hamid M, Pharithi R, Kamgang R, Egom CB, Oyono JLE, Egom EEA. COVID-19 and myocarditis: a review of literature. Egypt Heart J 2022; 74:23. [PMID: 35380300 PMCID: PMC8980789 DOI: 10.1186/s43044-022-00260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis has been discovered to be a significant complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a condition caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. COVID-19 myocarditis seems to have distinct inflammatory characteristics, which make it unique to other viral etiologies. The incidence of COVID-19 myocarditis is still not clear as a wide range of figures have been quoted in the literature; however, it seems that the risk of developing myocarditis increases with more severe infection. Furthermore, the administration of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine has been associated with the development of myocarditis, particularly after the second dose. COVID-19 myocarditis has a wide variety of presentations, ranging from dyspnea and chest pain to acute heart failure and possibly death. It is important to catch any cases of myocarditis, particularly those presenting with fulminant myocarditis which can be characterized by signs of heart failure and arrythmias. Initial work up for suspected myocarditis should include serial troponins and electrocardiograms. If myocardial damage is detected in these tests, further screening should be carried out. Cardiac magnetic resonance imagining and endomyocardial biopsy are the most useful tests for myocarditis. Treatment for COVID-19 myocarditis is still controversial; however, the use of intravenous immunoglobulins and corticosteroids in combination may be effective, particularly in cases of fulminant myocarditis. Overall, the incidence of COVID-19 myocarditis requires further research, while the use of intravenous immunoglobulins and corticosteroids in conjunction requires large randomized controlled trials to determine their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ali
- School of Medicine, The University of Manchester, Stopford Building, 99 Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PG, UK.
| | | | | | - Moaz Hamid
- Birmingham Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Rene Kamgang
- St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Jean Louis Essame Oyono
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Radioisotopes, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Eroume-A Egom
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Radioisotopes, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies (IMPM), Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Institut du Savoir Montfort (ISM), Hôpital Montfort, 713 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1K 0T2, Canada
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