COVID-19 Myocarditis Research Articles

COVID-19 myocarditis: quantitative analysis of the inflammatory infiltrate and a proposed mechanism

COVID-19 has a significant effect upon the cardiovascular system. While a number of different cardiovascular histopathologies have been described at post-mortem examination, the incidence of typical viral myocarditis in COVID-19 positive patients appears very low [1–3]. In this study, we further characterize and quantify the inflammatory cell infiltrate in a COVID-19 study cohort and compare the findings to both an age and disease matched control cohort and a cohort of patients diagnosed with typical inflammatory myocarditis. All study and control cohorts had 1 or more of the comorbidities most commonly associated with severe disease (hypertension, type II diabetes, obesity, or known cardiovascular disease). The results demonstrate a skewed distribution of the number of CD68+ cells in COVID-19 hearts, with upper quantiles showing a significant increase as compared to both matched control hearts, and those with myocarditis. In contrast, hearts from typical inflammatory myocarditis contained increased numbers of CD4+, and CD8+ cells compared to both COVID-19 and control cohorts. In conclusion, the presence of an increased number of CD68+ cells suggests that COVID-19 may incite a form of myocarditis different from typical viral myocarditis, and associated with diffusely infiltrative cells of monocytes/macrophage lineage.

Possible Association Between COVID-19 Vaccine and Myocarditis: Clinical and CMR Findings

Possible Association Between COVID-19 Vaccine and Myocarditis: Clinical and CMR Findings

Differences in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Markers Between Patients With COVID-19-associated Myocardial Injury and Patients With Clinically Suspected Myocarditis.

Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) has been shown to affect the myocardium, resulting in a worse clinical outcome. In this registry study, we aimed to identify differences in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) between COVID-19 and all-cause myocarditis. We examined CMRI of patients with COVID-19 and elevated high-sensitivity serum troponin levels performed between March 31st and May 5th and compared them to CMRI of patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection with suspected myocarditis in the same time period. For this purpose, we evaluated Lake-Louise Criteria for myocarditis by determining nonischemic myocardial injury via T1-mapping, extracellular volume, late gadolinium enhancement, and myocardial edema (ME) by T2-mapping and fat-saturated T2w imaging (T2Q). A total of 15 of 18 (89%) patients with COVID-19 had abnormal findings. The control group consisted of 18 individuals. There were significantly fewer individuals with COVID-19 who had increased T2 (5 vs. 10; P=0.038) and all-cause ME (7 vs. 15; P=0.015); thus, significantly fewer patients with COVID-19 fulfilled Lake-Louise Criteria (6 vs. 17; P<0.001). In contrast, nonischemic myocardial injury was not significantly different. In the COVID-19 group, indexed end-diastolic volume of the left ventricle showed a significant correlation to the extent of abnormal T1 (R2=0.571; P=0.017) and extracellular volume (R2=0.605; P=0.013) and absolute T1, T2, and T2Q (R2=0.644; P=0.005, R2=0.513; P=0.035 and R2=0.629; P=0.038, respectively); in the control group, only extracellular volume showed a weak correlation (R2=0.490; P=0.046). Cardiac involvement in COVID-19 seems to show less ME than all-cause myocarditis. Abnormal CMRI markers correlated to left ventricle dilation only in the COVID-19 group. Larger comparative studies are needed to verify our findings.

Prevalence of Clinical and Subclinical Myocarditis in Competitive Athletes With Recent SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Myocarditis is a leading cause of sudden death in competitive athletes. Myocardial inflammation is known to occur with SARS-CoV-2. Different screening approaches for detection of myocarditis have been reported. The Big Ten Conference requires comprehensive cardiac testing including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for all athletes with COVID-19, allowing comparison of screening approaches. To determine the prevalence of myocarditis in athletes with COVID-19 and compare screening strategies for safe return to play. Big Ten COVID-19 Cardiac Registry principal investigators were surveyed for aggregate observational data from March 1, 2020, through December 15, 2020, on athletes with COVID-19. For athletes with myocarditis, presence of cardiac symptoms and details of cardiac testing were recorded. Myocarditis was categorized as clinical or subclinical based on the presence of cardiac symptoms and CMR findings. Subclinical myocarditis classified as probable or possible myocarditis based on other testing abnormalities. Myocarditis prevalence across universities was determined. The utility of different screening strategies was evaluated. SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction testing. Myocarditis via cardiovascular diagnostic testing. Representing 13 universities, cardiovascular testing was performed in 1597 athletes (964 men [60.4%]). Thirty-seven (including 27 men) were diagnosed with COVID-19 myocarditis (overall 2.3%; range per program, 0%-7.6%); 9 had clinical myocarditis and 28 had subclinical myocarditis. If cardiac testing was based on cardiac symptoms alone, only 5 athletes would have been detected (detected prevalence, 0.31%). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for all athletes yielded a 7.4-fold increase in detection of myocarditis (clinical and subclinical). Follow-up CMR imaging performed in 27 (73.0%) demonstrated resolution of T2 elevation in all (100%) and late gadolinium enhancement in 11 (40.7%). In this cohort study of 1597 US competitive athletes with CMR screening after COVID-19 infection, 37 athletes (2.3%) were diagnosed with clinical and subclinical myocarditis. Variability was observed in prevalence across universities, and testing protocols were closely tied to the detection of myocarditis. Variable ascertainment and unknown implications of CMR findings underscore the need for standardized timing and interpretation of cardiac testing. These unique CMR imaging data provide a more complete understanding of the prevalence of clinical and subclinical myocarditis in college athletes after COVID-19 infection. The role of CMR in routine screening for athletes safe return to play should be explored further.

Cardiac arrest in COVID-19 myocarditis: a case report

Cardiac arrest in COVID-19 myocarditis: a case report

The First Reported Case of COVID-19 Myocarditis Managed with Biventricular Impella Support

IntroductionSARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, is a pandemic that has taken the world by storm. We present the only contemporary reported case of COVID-19 myocarditis leading to recovery with utilization of biventricular impella for temporary mechanical circulatory support. No cases have been reported regarding utilization of Bi-V impella as therapy for management of SARS-CoV-2..Case ReportWe present a 35 year old-woman with history of systemic sclerosis who was found to have 5 days of generalized malaise associated with fevers and cough. On arrival she was found tachycardic at 112 bpm and febrile 101.8 F. She tested positive for COVID-19 via nasal CPR. Cardiac enzymes were found elevated on admission with troponin T elevated at 0.28. On day two of hospitalization patient had spontaneous PEA arrest secondary to hypoxemia. Transthoracic echocardiogram(TTE) revealed EF <10% and RV impairment which compare to prior which had normal ejection fraction. Labs showed elevated lactic acidosis of 10. Invasive hemodynamics assessment RA 21 mmHg, PA 32/23(mean 26 mmHg) and PCWP 18 mmHg. Calculated PAPi 0.76, CO 2.1 L/min and CI of 1.2 L/min/m^2. Decision was made to place right and left sided ventricular impellas for mechanical circulatory support. She was started on IVIG for COVID-19 myocarditis along with remdesivir and solumedrol. After two weeks of continuous temporary mechanical circulatory support(TMCS), patient hemodynamics improved and she was able to be weaned from her need for TMCS. Repeat echocardiogram demonstrated recovery and remodeling with an LVEF of 60% and no significant valvular disease. She was discharge home at day 23 with no neurological deficit.SummaryThe use of biventricular continuous microaxial flow devices during acute COVID-19 myocarditis is key to allow ventricular rest and optimal offloading without the increased risk of surgically placed TMCS such as Centrimag or VA or VV ECMO. With recent emergency use by the FDA, its wide adaptation remains sparse. Our case demonstrates a unique approach to management of COVID-19 myocarditis. It is the only reported case in the literature utilizing biventricular Impella devices for circulatory support without the concurrent use of ECMO. Due to the success in this patient, this promising approach warrants continued investigation in the management of COVID myocarditis and cardiogenic shock.

Cardiac MRI in Suspected Acute COVID-19 Myocarditis.

Keywords: COVID-19; coronavirus; myocarditis; cardiac MRI; T1 mapping; T2 mapping

COVID-19 Myocarditis Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis and Management: A Narrative Review

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the cases of myocarditis in COVID-19 patients and synthesize the current understanding regarding the presentation, diagnosis, and management of myocarditis in the setting of COVID-19 disease. Background: The novel coronavirus disease has shown serious implications for the cardiovascular system, including acute myocardial injury, arrhythmias, venous thromboembolism, and myocarditis. Several cases of myocarditis in COVID-19 patients have been reported since the disease's emergence at the end of 2019. The diagnostic approach and management have been variable. The purpose of this narrative review is to gather the most reliable published material regarding myocarditis in COVID-19 and present it as an overview to simplify the current understanding we have of this disease. Methods: We screened PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. We then selected peer-reviewed and pre-print articles published in English that were related to the involvement of the cardiovascular system in COVID-19, with a focus on myocarditis. We included case reports describing myocarditis in COVID-19 patients and summarized their clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. References of the selected articles were also screened, and some were included when relevant. Discussion: This article is subdivided into sections that discuss the clinical presentation of COVID-19 myocarditis and move on to various diagnostic approaches and management options. Each subsection presents a brief literature review followed by a summary and interpretation of what was found in the reported cases. Conclusion: After noticing the involvement of the cardiovascular system in COVID-19 patients, specifically through myocarditis, we present this narrative review to provide the medical community with a unified article regarding the current understanding of myocarditis in COVID-19 patients. This article further stresses the necessity of establishing proper treatment guidelines for COVID-19 myocarditis.

Gastroenteritis and cardiogenic shock in a healthcare worker: a case report of COVID-19 myocarditis confirmed with serology.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) myocarditis is emerging as a component of the hyperactive inflammatory response secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Isolated gastrointestinal symptoms are uncommon presenting features in adults with COVID-19 myocarditis. The availability of antibody testing is a valuable addition to the confirmation of COVID-19, when repeated reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swabs are negative.Case summaryA young healthcare worker presented with dizziness and pre-syncope, 4 weeks after his original symptoms that included fever, lethargy, and diarrhoea. Despite 2 weeks of isolation, followed by a quiescent spell, his symptoms had returned. Shortly after, he presented in cardiogenic shock (left ventricular ejection fraction 25%), that required vasopressor support, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging suggested florid myocarditis. Three nasopharyngeal swabs (Days 1, 3, and 5) were negative for SARS-CoV-2, but subsequent serology (Day 13) confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and glucocorticoids led to full recovery.DiscussionOur case study highlights the significance of the use of the available serological assays for diagnosis of patients presenting late with SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, it supports further research in the use of immunomodulatory drugs for the hyperinflammatory microenvironment induced by COVID-19.

COVID-19 Infection and Myocarditis: A State-of-the-Art Systematic Review.

Background:COVID-19 was initially considered to be a respiratory illness, but current findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is increasingly expressed in cardiac myocytes as well. COVID-19 may lead to cardiovascular injuries, resulting in myocarditis, with inflammation of the heart muscle.Objective:This systematic review collates current evidence about demographics, symptomatology, diagnostic, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infected patients with myocarditis.Methods:In accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Central, Web of Science and Google Scholar until August, 2021. A combination of the following keywords was used: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, myocarditis. Cohorts and case reports that comprised of patients with confirmed myocarditis due to COVID-19 infection, aged >18 years were included. The findings were tabulated and subsequently synthesized.Results:In total, 54 case reports and 5 cohorts were identified comprising 215 patients. Hypertension (51.7%), diabetes mellitus type 2 (46.4%), cardiac comorbidities (14.6%) were the 3 most reported comorbidities. Majority of the patients presented with cough (61.9%), fever (60.4%), shortness of breath (53.2%), and chest pain (43.9%). Inflammatory markers were raised in 97.8% patients, whereas cardiac markers were elevated in 94.8% of the included patients. On noting radiographic findings, cardiomegaly (32.5%) was the most common finding. Electrocardiography testing obtained ST segment elevation among 44.8% patients and T wave inversion in 7.3% of the sample. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging yielded 83.3% patients with myocardial edema, with late gadolinium enhancement in 63.9% patients. In hospital management consisted of azithromycin (25.5%), methylprednisolone/steroids (8.5%), and other standard care treatments for COVID-19. The most common in-hospital complication included acute respiratory distress syndrome (66.4%) and cardiogenic shock (14%). On last follow up, 64.7% of the patients survived, whereas 31.8% patients did not survive, and 3.5% were in the critical care unit.Conclusion:It is essential to demarcate COVID-19 infection and myocarditis presentations due to the heightened risk of death among patients contracting both myocardial inflammation and ARDS. With a multitude of diagnostic and treatment options available for COVID-19 and myocarditis, patients that are under high risk of suspicion for COVID-19 induced myocarditis must be appropriately diagnosed and treated to curb co-infections.

Longitudinal Global Strain Imaging Suggestive of Subclinical Myocarditis in Patients Post COVID-19 Infection

COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic that has resulted in significant mortality and morbidity. The incidence of COVID-19 myocarditis is not well established. We sought to ascertain if left ventricular or right ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS, RVGLS) is affected by COVID-19 and its clinical sequelae.

COVID-19, myocarditis, and the other side of the bed.

COVID-19, myocarditis, and the other side of the bed.

COVID-19–Myocarditis and Return to Play: Reflections and Recommendations From a Canadian Working Group

The COVID-19–related pandemic has resulted in profound health, financial, and societal impacts. Organized sporting events, from recreational to the Olympic level, have been cancelled to both mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect athletes and highly active individuals from potential acute and long-term infection-associated harms. COVID-19 infection has been associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality. Myocarditis and late gadolinium enhancement as a result of COVID-19 infection have been confirmed. Correspondingly, myocarditis has been implicated in sudden cardiac death of athletes. A pragmatic approach is required to guide those who care for athletes and highly active persons with COVID-19 infection. Members of the Community and Athletic Cardiovascular Health Network (CATCHNet) and the writing group for the Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian Heart Rhythm Society Joint Position Statement on the Cardiovascular Screening of Competitive Athletes recommend that highly active persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection refrain from exercise for 7 days after resolution of viral symptoms before gradual return to exercise. We do not recommend routine troponin testing, resting 12-lead electrocardiography, echocardiography, or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging before return to play. However, medical assessment including history and physical examination with consideration of resting electrocardiography and troponin can be considered in the athlete manifesting new active cardiac symptoms or a marked reduction in fitness. If concerning abnormalities are encountered at the initial medical assessment, then referral to a cardiologist who cares for athletes is recommended.

Abstract 14835: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (covid-19) Myocarditis: Where and What is the Evidence?

Background and Objectives: Cardiac complications due to COVID-19 can occur either directly (myopericaridal involvement) or indirectly by the profound systemic inflammatory response and cytokine storm leading to cardiac dysfunction. No virus RNA has been detected in cardiac myocytes in patients with COVID-19 from China. Our objective is to analyze the COVID-19 myocarditis cases reported in literature to-date. Methods: We used terms COVID-19, myocarditis, and cardiac involvement in COVID-19 to perform a search for myocarditis cases due to COVID-19 in PUBMED. We found a total of 8 cases with a diagnosis of COVID-19 myocarditis and analyzed their clinical data as summarized in Table. Results: Age ranged from 21-69 years and 75% were male. Of eight COVID-19 myocarditis patients, 3/8(38%) had pre-existing cardiac issues, 5/7(71%) had abnormal electrocardiograms and decreased function by echocardiograms. Troponin and BNP levels were elevated in all cases. CMR was performed in 5 cases and showed myocardial edema in T2 mapping and late gadolinium enhancement suggesting scar/fibrosis in 100% cases. No endomyocardial biopsy or autopsy was performed except one case, who was dead on arrival and autopsy study showed eosinophilic myocarditis, not a typical finding of viral myocarditis. Overall outcomes were 2 deaths and 6 patients recovered. Conclusions: COVID-19 can cause direct myocardial injury but the evidence is extremely limited at this stage. Although serum markers and imaging suggest cardiac involvement, the pathogenesis and long term impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular system is unknown. Evaluation for myocarditis by endomyocardial biopsies may be appropriate in selected cases when a treatable type of myocarditis is suspected (e.g. giant cell myocarditis) or unexplained severe bi-ventircular dysfunction or arhrhythmia with normal coronaries to confirm a definitive diagnosis of myocarditis and identify its cause to enable possible etiology-directed therapy.

Case report of severe PCR-confirmed COVID-19 myocarditis in a European patient manifesting in mid January 2020.

BackgroundViral genesis is the most common cause of myocarditis. COVID-19-associated myocarditis seems to be a notable extrapulmonary manifestation, which may result in the need for a different treatment. There has been no positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of SARS-CoV-2 in heart specimens, thus far.Case summaryA 48-year-old male patient presented with fever, dyspnoea, and haemoptysis. Laboratory findings showed highly elevated inflammatory and cardiac damage markers. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral, patchy peripheral ground-glass opacities with a crazy-paving pattern, focal consolidations, and mild pleural effusions. Cardiac imaging with echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected a reduced biventricular function. MRI additionally showed myocardial oedema and late gadolinium enhancement. Lung and heart biopsies were performed, revealing alveolitis with necrosis and acute lymphocytic myocarditis. Testing for usual cardiotropic viruses was negative, and no aspects of vasculitis or granuloma could be found. Due to fulfilling the criteria, the patient was diagnosed with rheumatic vasculitis. Treatment with cyclophosphamide and steroids was initiated. Later, the patient reported a history of travel to Tyrol in mid January. Consequently, PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 was performed, which was positive in the heart specimen. Immunosuppressive treatment was discontinued. During a follow-up visit at the end of April, the patient’s recovery was stable.DiscussionIn COVID-19 infections, myocardial inflammation can be present as an extrapulmonary manifestation. Positive PCR testing confirms myocardial invasion of the virus. Imaging and laboratory studies correlate with the histopathological findings, and thus should be performed in COVID-19 patients who are suspicious for myocarditis. Supportive treatment with steroids may be useful in these patients.

Cardiac damage in patients with COVID-19 coronavirus infection

The article reviews studies that confirm the relationship of a negative prognosis with the presence of risk factors for cardiovascular complications during respiratory infections, including novel coronavirus infection COVID-19. The article presents the relevant research results that provide evidence on the myocardial damage in coronavirus infection. We present a clinical case of a patient with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and severe viral myocarditis, verified by histological and immunohistochemical studies.

A Systematic Review of COVID-19 and Myocarditis

The COVID-19 infection which emerged in December 2019, is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Infection with this virus can lead to severe respiratory illness, however, myocarditis has also been reported. The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical features of myocarditis in COVID-19 patients. A systematic review was conducted to investigate characteristics of myocarditis in patients infected with COVID-19 using the search term "Coronavirus" or "COVID" and "myocarditis," "heart," or "retrospective." Case reports and retrospective studies were gathered by searching Medline/Pubmed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases. 11 articles were selected for review. COVID-19 myocarditis affected patients over the age of 50 and incidences among both genders were equally reported. Patients presented with dyspnea, cough, fever with hypotension and chest pain. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis with increased C-reactive protein, while arterial blood gas analysis demonstrated respiratory acidosis. All cardiac markers were elevated. Radiographic imaging of the chest showed bilateral ground glass opacities or bilateral infiltrates, while cardiac magnetic resonance imaging produced late gadolinium enhancements. Electrocardiography demonstrated ST-segment elevation or inverted T waves, while echocardiography revealed reduced left ventricular ejection fraction with cardiomegaly or increased wall thickness. Management with corticosteroids was favored in most cases, followed by antiviral medication. The majority of studies reported either recovery or no further clinical deterioration. Current available data on COVID-19 myocarditis is limited. Further research is needed to advance our understanding of COVID-19 myocarditis.

COVID-19 and acute myocarditis: current literature review and diagnostic challenges.

In the current literature, there has been an upsurge of cases of COVID-19-induced acute myocarditis. In this case-based review, we aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and in-hospital course of acute myocarditis. In addition, the limitations of the myocarditis diagnosis were discussed since only fulminant myocarditis cases have been mentioned in the current literature. We performed a review of the literature of all patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19-induced acute myocarditis using the databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane. 16 case reports were found to be related to COVID-19-induced acute myocarditis. We observed that the ECG findings in most of the COVID-19 patients were non-specific, including diffuse ST-segment elevation, non-specific intraventricular conduction delay, sinus tachycardia, and inverted T-waves in anterior leads. Echocardiographic findings of COVID-19-induced acute myocarditis patients ranged from preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) without segmental abnormalities to reduced LVEF with global hypokinesia. Interestingly, a few patients with COVID-19-induced acute fulminant myocarditis were steroid-responsive and had an amelioration with glucocorticoid and immunoglobulin therapy. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, a limited number of cases has been shared in the current literature. There are a lot of difficulties in the differential diagnosis of acute myocarditis in the context of COVID-19.

A Clinical Review of COVID-19 Associated Myocarditis

The Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS COV-2) which can cause multi-organ dysfunction with noteworthy ramifications for patients' cardiovascular consideration. Complications like myocarditis, myocardial injury, acute-onset heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmia have been reported. However, a limited number of case reports, retrospective studies, and impairing factors, including the lack of proper diagnostic modalities for COVID-19 associated myocarditis, have made the exact incidence of myocarditis from COVID-19 unclear. In this paper, we have analyzed peer-reviewed articles to highlight COVID-19 myocarditis and outline the associated risk factors, pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of such patients. This is to ensure rapid triage, so their treatment is not compromised and thereby averting fatal complications from it.

Corona virus disease and the heart

The world is in the midst of a corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We review a case of COVID-19 myocarditis which was successfully managed and reported and also comment on the connection of COVID-19 and the heart.