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Rafiee MJ, Friedrich MG. MRI of cardiac involvement in COVID-19. Br J Radiol 2024; 97:1367-1377. [PMID: 38656976 PMCID: PMC11256941 DOI: 10.1093/bjr/tqae086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a diverse pattern of myocardial injuries, including myocarditis, which is linked to adverse outcomes in patients. Research indicates that myocardial injury is associated with higher mortality in hospitalized severe COVID-19 patients (75.8% vs 9.7%). Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) has emerged as a crucial tool in diagnosing both ischaemic and non-ischaemic myocardial injuries, providing detailed insights into the impact of COVID-19 on myocardial tissue and function. This review synthesizes existing studies on the histopathological findings and CMR imaging patterns of myocardial injuries in COVID-19 patients. CMR imaging has revealed a complex pattern of cardiac damage in these patients, including myocardial inflammation, oedema, fibrosis, and ischaemic injury, due to coronary microthrombi. This review also highlights the role of LLC criteria in diagnosis of COVID-related myocarditis and the importance of CMR in detecting cardiac complications of COVID-19 in specific groups, such as children, manifesting multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and athletes, as well as myocardial injuries post-COVID-19 infection or following COVID-19 vaccination. By summarizing existing studies on CMR in COVID-19 patients and highlighting ongoing research, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the cardiac impacts of COVID-19. It emphasizes the effectiveness of CMR in assessing a broad spectrum of myocardial injuries, thereby enhancing the management and prognosis of patients with COVID-19 related cardiac complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moezedin Javad Rafiee
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4A3J1, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Matthias G Friedrich
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4A3J1, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec H4A3J1, Canada
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2
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Xian SP, Li ZY, Li W, Yang PF, Huang SH, Liu Y, Tang L, Lai J, Zeng FM, He JZ, Liu Y. Spatial immune landscapes of SARS-CoV-2 gastrointestinal infection: macrophages contribute to local tissue inflammation and gastrointestinal symptoms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1375354. [PMID: 39100091 PMCID: PMC11295004 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1375354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In some patients, persistent gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea occur as part of long COVID-19 syndrome following acute respiratory symptoms caused by SARS-CoV-2. However, the characteristics of immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract of COVID-19 patients and their association with these symptoms remain unclear. Methodology Data were collected from 95 COVID-19 patients. Among this cohort, 11 patients who exhibited gastrointestinal symptoms and underwent gastroscopy were selected. Using imaging mass cytometry, the gastrointestinal tissues of these patients were thoroughly analyzed to identify immune cell subgroups and investigate their spatial distribution. Results Significant acute inflammatory responses were found in the gastrointestinal tissues, particularly in the duodenum, of COVID-19 patients. These alterations included an increase in the levels of CD68+ macrophages and CD3+CD4+ T-cells, which was more pronounced in tissues with nucleocapsid protein (NP). The amount of CD68+ macrophages positively correlates with the number of CD3+CD4+ T-cells (R = 0.783, p < 0.001), additionally, spatial neighborhood analysis uncovered decreased interactions between CD68+ macrophages and multiple immune cells were noted in NP-positive tissues. Furthermore, weighted gene coexpression network analysis was employed to extract gene signatures related to clinical features and immune responses from the RNA-seq data derived from gastrointestinal tissues from COVID-19 patients, and we validated that the MEgreen module shown positive correlation with clinical parameter (i.e., Total bilirubin, ALT, AST) and macrophages (R = 0.84, p = 0.001), but negatively correlated with CD4+ T cells (R = -0.62, p = 0.004). By contrast, the MEblue module was inversely associated with macrophages and positively related with CD4+ T cells. Gene function enrichment analyses revealed that the MEgreen module is closely associated with biological processes such as immune response activation, signal transduction, and chemotaxis regulation, indicating its role in the gastrointestinal inflammatory response. Conclusion The findings of this study highlight the role of specific immune cell groups in the gastrointestinal inflammatory response in COVID-19 patients. Gene coexpression network analysis further emphasized the importance of the gene modules in gastrointestinal immune responses, providing potential molecular targets for the treatment of COVID-19-related gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ping Xian
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhan-Yu Li
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng-Fei Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Shen-Hao Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Lai
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Fa-Min Zeng
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jian-Zhong He
- Department of Pathology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
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3
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Iacoponi N, Del Duca F, Marcacci I, Occhipinti C, Napoletano G, Spadazzi F, La Russa R, Maiese A. Butane-related deaths in post-mortem investigations: A systematic review. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 69:102442. [PMID: 38579662 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Volatile substance abuse is widespread among adolescents due to its easy availability and methods of consumption. Inhalant abuse represents a current problematic issue, causing significant morbidity and mortality due to direct toxicity on several target organs and displacement of gas which results in a lack of oxygen. This review aims to evaluate post-mortem and toxicological investigations in cases of suspected butane intoxication. We performed comprehensive research using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review (PRISMA) standards. Forty scientific papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. A total of 58 cases of butane-related deaths were found. Among these, we found 11 cases of suicide (18%), 1 case of homicide (2%), 44 cases of accidental poisoning (76%), and 2 cases of work-related deaths (4%). Autopsy and post-mortem examinations were performed in 54 cases, whereas toxicological analyses were presented in 56 cases. In autopsy, pulmonary edema (51%) and poli-visceral congestion (59%) were the most common findings. When death by butane inhalation is hypothesized, autopsy and histological findings may be nonspecific, therefore toxicological investigations assume a crucial role along with attention to the methods used to collect biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Iacoponi
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Fabio Del Duca
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Marcacci
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Carla Occhipinti
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Napoletano
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Spadazzi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Aniello Maiese
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Nechita L, Niculet E, Baroiu L, Balta AAS, Nechita A, Voinescu DC, Manole C, Busila C, Debita M, Tatu AL. Acute Myocardial Infarction in COVID-19 Patients-A Review of Literature Data and Two-Case Report Series. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2936. [PMID: 38792477 PMCID: PMC11121956 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The newly emergent COVID-19 pandemic involved primarily the respiratory system and had also major cardiovascular system (CVS) implications, revealed by acute myocardial infarction (AMI), arrhythmias, myocardial injury, and thromboembolism. CVS involvement is done through main mechanisms-direct and indirect heart muscle injury, with high mortality rates, worse short-term outcomes, and severe complications. AMI is the echo of myocardial injury (revealed by increases in CK, CK-MB, and troponin serum markers-which are taken into consideration as possible COVID-19 risk stratification markers). When studying myocardial injury, physicians can make use of imaging studies, such as cardiac MRI, transthoracic (or transesophageal) echocardiography, coronary angiography, cardiac computed tomography, and nuclear imaging (which have been used in cases where angiography was not possible), or even endomyocardial biopsy (which is not always available or feasible). Two-case-series presentations: We present the cases of two COVID-19 positive male patients who were admitted into the Clinical Department of Cardiology in "Sfântul Apostol Andrei" Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galați (Romania), who presented with acute cardiac distress symptoms and have been diagnosed with ST elevation AMI. The patients were 82 and 57 years old, respectively, with moderate and severe forms of COVID-19, and were diagnosed with anteroseptal left ventricular AMI and extensive anterior transmural left ventricular AMI (with ventricular fibrillation at presentation), respectively. The first patient was a non-smoker and non-drinker with no associated comorbidities, and was later discharged, while the second one died due to AMI complications. Conclusions: From this two-case series, we extract the following: old age alone is not a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes in COVID-19-related CVS events, and that the cumulative effects of several patient-associated risk factors (be it either for severe forms of COVID-19 and/or acute cardiac injury) will most probably lead to poor patient prognosis (death). At the same time, serum cardiac enzymes, dynamic ECG changes, along with newly developed echocardiographic modifications are indicators for poor prognosis in acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients with acute myocardial injury, regardless of the presence of right ventricular dysfunction (due to pulmonary hypertension).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Nechita
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania; (L.N.); (A.A.S.B.)
| | - Elena Niculet
- Department of Morphological and Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University, 800008 Galați, Romania
- ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’ Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 800578 Galati, Romania; (D.C.V.); (C.M.)
| | - Liliana Baroiu
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania; (L.B.); (A.N.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (A.L.T.)
- ‘Sf. Cuv. Parascheva’ Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania
| | | | - Aurel Nechita
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania; (L.B.); (A.N.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (A.L.T.)
- ‘Sf. Ioan’ Clinical Hospital for Children, 800487 Galati, Romania
| | - Doina Carina Voinescu
- ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’ Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 800578 Galati, Romania; (D.C.V.); (C.M.)
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania; (L.B.); (A.N.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (A.L.T.)
| | - Corina Manole
- ‘Sf. Apostol Andrei’ Clinical Emergency County Hospital, 800578 Galati, Romania; (D.C.V.); (C.M.)
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania; (L.B.); (A.N.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (A.L.T.)
| | - Camelia Busila
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania; (L.B.); (A.N.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (A.L.T.)
- ‘Sf. Ioan’ Clinical Hospital for Children, 800487 Galati, Romania
| | - Mihaela Debita
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania; (L.B.); (A.N.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (A.L.T.)
- ‘Sf. Cuv. Parascheva’ Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania
| | - Alin Laurentiu Tatu
- Clinical Medical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University, 800008 Galati, Romania; (L.B.); (A.N.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (A.L.T.)
- ‘Sf. Cuv. Parascheva’ Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania
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Niebauer JH, Iscel A, Schedl S, Capelle C, Kahr M, Schamilow S, Faltas J, Srdits M, Badr-Eslam R, Lichtenauer M, Zoufaly A, Valenta R, Hoffmann S, Charwat-Resl S, Krestan C, Hitzl W, Wenisch C, Bonderman D. Severe COVID-19 and its cardiopulmonary effects 6 and 18 months after hospital discharge. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1366269. [PMID: 38504716 PMCID: PMC10948598 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1366269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the cardiopulmonary system in the acute as well as long-term phase. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively assess symptoms and possible long-term impairments 6 and 18 months after hospitalization for severe COVID-19 infection. Methods This prospective registry included patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infection requiring hospitalization. Follow-up approximately 6 months post discharge comprised a detailed patient history, clinical examination, transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), chest computed tomography (CT) scan, pulmonary function test (PFT), six-minute walk test (6MWT) and a laboratory panel. At the time of the second follow-up visit at 18 months, patients without pathologic findings during the first study visit were contacted by phone to inquire about the course of their symptoms. In all other patients all initial examinations were repeated. Results Two hundred Patients, who were hospitalized for COVID-19, were contacted by phone and were recruited for the study. Due to dropouts the second study visit was performed in 170 patients. A comparison between the two study visits at 6 and 18 months post discharge showed the following results: Six months after discharge, 73% and 18 months after discharge 52% fulfilled the criteria for Long COVID with fatigue being the most common symptom (49%). Echocardiography at 6 months post discharge showed an impaired left ventricular function in 8% of which 80% returned to normal. Six months post discharge, cMRI revealed pericardial effusion in 17% which resolved in 47% of the 15 patients who underwent a control cMRI. Signs of peri- or myocarditis were present in 5% of the patients and were resolved in all 4 patients who attended control studies. At 6 months, chest CT scans identified post-infectious residues in 24%. In the 25 repeated chest CT scans 20% showed full recovery. Length of in-hospital stay was identified as a significant predictor for persisting Long COVID (95% CI: 1.005-1.12, p = 0.03). Conclusion Comparing 6 to 18 months, the prevalence of Long COVID decreased over time, but a high symptom burden remained. Structural and functional abnormalities were less frequent than the portrayed symptoms, and it thus remains a challenge to substantiate the symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. H. Niebauer
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - A. Iscel
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - S. Schedl
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - C. Capelle
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - M. Kahr
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, AKH Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - S. Schamilow
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - J. Faltas
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - M. Srdits
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - R. Badr-Eslam
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, AKH Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - M. Lichtenauer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - A. Zoufaly
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
| | - R. Valenta
- Department of Radiology, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - S. Hoffmann
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - S. Charwat-Resl
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - C. Krestan
- Department of Radiology, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - W. Hitzl
- Research and Innovation Management (RIM), Team Biostatistics and Publication of Clinical Trial Study, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - C. Wenisch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
| | - D. Bonderman
- Department of Cardiology and Emergency Medicine, Klinik Favoriten, Vienna, Austria
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Bertozzi G, Ferrara M, Di Fazio A, Maiese A, Delogu G, Di Fazio N, Tortorella V, La Russa R, Fineschi V. Oxidative Stress in Sepsis: A Focus on Cardiac Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2912. [PMID: 38474158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to analyze post-mortem human cardiac specimens, to verify and evaluate the existence or extent of oxidative stress in subjects whose cause of death has been traced to sepsis, through immunohistological oxidative/nitrosative stress markers. Indeed, in the present study, i-NOS, NOX2, and nitrotyrosine markers were higher expressed in the septic death group when compared to the control group, associated with also a significant increase in 8-OHdG, highlighting the pivotal role of oxidative stress in septic etiopathogenesis. In particular, 70% of cardiomyocyte nuclei from septic death specimens showed positivity for 8-OHdG. Furthermore, intense and massive NOX2-positive myocyte immunoreaction was noticed in the septic group, as nitrotyrosine immunostaining intense reaction was found in the cardiac cells. These results demonstrated a correlation between oxidative and nitrosative stress imbalance and the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction documented in cases of sepsis. Therefore, subsequent studies will focus on the expression of oxidative stress markers in other organs and tissues, as well as on the involvement of the intracellular pattern of apoptosis, to better clarify the complex pathogenesis of multi-organ failure, leading to support the rationale for including therapies targeting redox abnormalities in the management of septic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michela Ferrara
- SIC Medicina Legale, Via Potito Petrone, 85100 Potenza, Italy
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Di Fazio
- SIC Medicina Legale, Via Potito Petrone, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Aniello Maiese
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Delogu
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Tortorella
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environment Science, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
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7
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Mostafa RH, Moustafa A. Beyond acute infection: molecular mechanisms underpinning cardiovascular complications in long COVID. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1268571. [PMID: 38495940 PMCID: PMC10942004 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1268571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic, has manifested significant cardiovascular implications for the infected population. These cardiovascular repercussions not only linger beyond the initial phase of illness but have also been observed in individuals who remain asymptomatic. This extended and pervasive impact is often called the post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) or "Long COVID". With the number of confirmed global cases approaching an alarming 756 million, the multifaceted challenges of Long COVID are undeniable. These challenges span from individual health complications to considerable burdens on worldwide healthcare systems. Our review comprehensively examines the complications of the persistent cardiovascular complications associated with COVID-19. Furthermore, we shed light on emerging therapeutic strategies that promise to manage and possibly mitigate these complications. We also introduce and discuss the profound concerns regarding the potential transgenerational repercussions of SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing the need for a proactive and informed approach to future research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roba Hamed Mostafa
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Moustafa
- Systems Genomics Laboratory, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Biotechnology Graduate Program, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Biology, American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
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8
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de Sousa PMB, Silva EA, Campos MAG, Lages JS, Corrêa RDGCF, Silva GEB. Fatal Myocarditis following COVID-19 mRNA Immunization: A Case Report and Differential Diagnosis Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:194. [PMID: 38400177 PMCID: PMC10891853 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Carditis in childhood is a rare disease with several etiologies. We report a case of infant death due to pericarditis and myocarditis after the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 (COVIDmRNAV). A 7-year-old male child received the first dose of the COVIDmRNAV and presented with monoarthritis and a fever non-responsive to oral antibiotics. The laboratory investigation showed signs of infection (leukocytosis, high levels of c-reactive protein). His condition rapidly deteriorated, and the patient died. The autopsy identified pericardial fibrin deposits, hemorrhagic areas in the myocardium, and normal valves. A diffuse intermyocardial inflammatory infiltrate composed of T CD8+ lymphocytes and histiocytes was identified. An antistreptolysin O (ASO) dosage showed high titers. The presence of arthritis, elevated ASO, and carditis fulfills the criteria for rheumatic fever. However, valve disease and Aschoff's nodules, present in 90% of rheumatic carditis cases, were absent in this case. The temporal correlation with mRNA vaccination prompted its inclusion as one of the etiologies. In cases of myocardial damage related to COVID-19mRNAV, it appears to be related to the expression of exosomes and lipid nanoparticles, leading to a cytokine storm. The potential effects of the COVID-19mRNAV must be considered in the pathogenesis of this disease, whether as an etiology or a contributing factor to a previously initiated myocardial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Manuel Barros de Sousa
- University Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão, Barão de Itapari Street 227, São Luís 65020-070, MA, Brazil; (P.M.B.d.S.)
| | - Elon Almeida Silva
- University Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão, Barão de Itapari Street 227, São Luís 65020-070, MA, Brazil; (P.M.B.d.S.)
| | - Marcos Adriano Garcia Campos
- Clinical Hospital of Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, Professor Mário Rubens Guimarães Montenegro Avenue, Botucatu 18618-687, SP, Brazil
| | - Joyce Santos Lages
- University Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão, Barão de Itapari Street 227, São Luís 65020-070, MA, Brazil; (P.M.B.d.S.)
| | | | - Gyl Eanes Barros Silva
- University Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão, Barão de Itapari Street 227, São Luís 65020-070, MA, Brazil; (P.M.B.d.S.)
- Department of Pathology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
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9
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Shu H, Wen Z, Li N, Zhang Z, Ceesay BM, Peng Y, Zhou N, Wang DW. COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Diseases: From Cellular Mechanisms to Clinical Manifestations. Aging Dis 2023; 14:2071-2088. [PMID: 37199573 PMCID: PMC10676802 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), quickly spread worldwide and led to over 581 million confirmed cases and over 6 million deaths as 1 August 2022. The binding of the viral surface spike protein to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is the primary mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Not only highly expressed in the lung, ACE2 is also widely distributed in the heart, mainly in cardiomyocytes and pericytes. The strong association between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been demonstrated by increased clinical evidence. Preexisting CVD risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes etc., increase susceptibility to COVID-19. In turn, COVID-19 exacerbates the progression of CVD, including myocardial damage, arrhythmia, acute myocarditis, heart failure, and thromboembolism. Moreover, cardiovascular risks post recovery and the vaccination-associated cardiovascular problems have become increasingly evident. To demonstrate the association between COVID-19 and CVD, this review detailly illustrated the impact of COVID-19 on different cells (cardiomyocytes, pericytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts) in myocardial tissue and provides an overview of the clinical manifestations of cardiovascular involvements in the pandemic. Finally, the issues related to myocardial injury post recovery, as well as vaccination-induced CVD, has also been emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Shu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
| | - Zheng Wen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
| | - Na Li
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
| | - Bala Musa Ceesay
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
| | - Yizhong Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China
| | - Ning Zhou
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
| | - Dao Wen Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanism of Cardiologic Disorders, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China.
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10
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Cao Q, Du X, Jiang XY, Tian Y, Gao CH, Liu ZY, Xu T, Tao XX, Lei M, Wang XQ, Ye LL, Duan DD. Phenome-wide association study and precision medicine of cardiovascular diseases in the post-COVID-19 era. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:2347-2357. [PMID: 37532784 PMCID: PMC10692238 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01119-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes injuries of not only the lungs but also the heart and endothelial cells in vasculature of multiple organs, and induces systemic inflammation and immune over-reactions, which makes COVID-19 a disease phenome that simultaneously affects multiple systems. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are intrinsic risk and causative factors for severe COVID-19 comorbidities and death. The wide-spread infection and reinfection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the long-COVID may become a new common threat to human health and propose unprecedented impact on the risk factors, pathophysiology, and pharmacology of many diseases including CVD for a long time. COVID-19 has highlighted the urgent demand for precision medicine which needs new knowledge network to innovate disease taxonomy for more precise diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of disease. A deeper understanding of CVD in the setting of COVID-19 phenome requires a paradigm shift from the current phenotypic study that focuses on the virus or individual symptoms to phenomics of COVID-19 that addresses the inter-connectedness of clinical phenotypes, i.e., clinical phenome. Here, we summarize the CVD manifestations in the full clinical spectrum of COVID-19, and the phenome-wide association study of CVD interrelated to COVID-19. We discuss the underlying biology for CVD in the COVID-19 phenome and the concept of precision medicine with new phenomic taxonomy that addresses the overall pathophysiological responses of the body to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also briefly discuss the unique taxonomy of disease as Zheng-hou patterns in traditional Chinese medicine, and their potential implications in precision medicine of CVD in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Cao
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xin Du
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Jiang
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Chen-Hao Gao
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Zi-Yu Liu
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xing-Xing Tao
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Wang
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Lingyu Linda Ye
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Autoimmune Diseases and Precision Medicie, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750001, China.
| | - Dayue Darrel Duan
- Center for Phenomics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Autoimmune Diseases and Precision Medicie, People's Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, 750001, China.
- The Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
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11
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Thaker R, Faraci J, Derti S, Schiavone JF. Myocarditis in SARS-CoV-2: A Meta-Analysis. Cureus 2023; 15:e48059. [PMID: 38046477 PMCID: PMC10688762 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a rise in cardiovascular events following the onset of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, a strain that caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although rare, there has been an increase in reports of myocarditis secondary to both individuals infected by the strain and those who received the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. The focus of this study is to determine the risk of myocarditis associated with the COVID-19 vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Relevant literature was collected using the search engines PubMed, Google Scholar, and the WHO Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease. Randomized controlled clinical trials and cohort studies reporting the risk of myocarditis induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccines were used. A meta-analysis was conducted using the inverse variance method using RevMan application software. A meta-analysis of the compiled data showed a mean risk ratio of 4.74 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.40 to 9.36; p < 0.0000100), which indicates there is a significant difference in the risk of COVID-19-induced myocarditis in those with unspecified vaccination status compared to the non-infected population. A meta-analysis of the selected data found a mean risk ratio of 5.01 (95% CI = 4.14 to 6.08; p < 0.0000100), indicating a significant difference in the risk of COVID-19-induced myocarditis between those who are unvaccinated and the non-infected population. Upon a meta-analysis of the selected data set, a mean risk ratio of 2.55 (95% CI = 0.840 to 7.74; p = 0.100) was found, indicating no significant difference in the risk of vaccine-induced myocarditis between those with a vaccinated vaccination status and that of the non-infected population. The result of this meta-analysis showed that infection with SARS-CoV-2 in unvaccinated patients carries a statistically significant increased risk of acquiring myocarditis while those receiving the vaccination do not share this same risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranel Thaker
- Internal Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
| | - James Faraci
- Surgery, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
| | - Sierra Derti
- Internal Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
| | - John F Schiavone
- Internal Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Elmira, USA
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12
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Lisman D, Zielińska G, Drath J, Łaszczewska A, Savochka I, Parafiniuk M, Ossowski A. Molecular Diagnosis of COVID-19 Sudden and Unexplained Deaths: The Insidious Face of the Pandemic. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2980. [PMID: 37761347 PMCID: PMC10529476 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic has led to a significant increase in the number of deaths. This has resulted in forensic autopsies focusing on additional diagnostic possibilities. The following article is a summary of 23 autopsies of sudden and unexplained deaths. Particularly noteworthy are the described cases of children whose deaths were originally classified as SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). All tests were performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Autopsy analyses were extended to include diagnostics of the SARS-CoV-2 virus using molecular methods and a detailed histopathological analysis of lung tissue. The material for molecular tests consisted of a nasopharyngeal swab taken postmortem and a lung tissue homogenate. In both cases, the RT-PCR method with CT cut-off point analysis was used for diagnosis. In all analyzed cases, the lungs showed massive congestion and increased fragility and cohesion. The tested material showed the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which indicated various stages of infection. It was observed that the higher the virus expression in the lungs, the lower or undetectable it was in the nasopharyngeal swab. This may explain false negative results during life in swabs. An interesting finding is that child deaths classified as SIDS also showed the presence of the virus. This may constitute a new direction of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Lisman
- Forensic Genetic Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (G.Z.); (J.D.); (A.Ł.); (A.O.)
| | - Grażyna Zielińska
- Forensic Genetic Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (G.Z.); (J.D.); (A.Ł.); (A.O.)
| | - Joanna Drath
- Forensic Genetic Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (G.Z.); (J.D.); (A.Ł.); (A.O.)
| | - Aleksandra Łaszczewska
- Forensic Genetic Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (G.Z.); (J.D.); (A.Ł.); (A.O.)
| | - Ilona Savochka
- Forensic Medicine Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (I.S.); (M.P.)
| | - Mirosław Parafiniuk
- Forensic Medicine Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (I.S.); (M.P.)
| | - Andrzej Ossowski
- Forensic Genetic Department, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-204 Szczecin, Poland; (G.Z.); (J.D.); (A.Ł.); (A.O.)
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13
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Mohammadi H, Fereidooni R, Mehdizadegan N, Amoozgar H, Naghshzan A, Edraki MR, Tavangar A. Q wave in paediatric myocarditis: an underinvestigated, readily available prognostic factor. Acta Cardiol 2023; 78:813-822. [PMID: 36534013 DOI: 10.1080/00015385.2022.2148896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocarditis is an uncommon disease in children with potentially fatal consequences. An electrocardiogram (ECG) change seen in myocarditis is pathological Q wave. Pathological Q wave is linked to permanent damage and myocardial death in several cardiac diseases. We investigated the significance of pathological Q waves in children with acute myocarditis (AM). METHODS This retrospective observational study analysed the data of 59 children with AM admitted to our hospital between January 2016 and July 2021. They were divided into Q wave and non-Q wave myocarditis groups. Patients' laboratory data, echocardiography, treatment and hospital outcome were analysed. RESULTS Patients were 64.4% male and had a median age of 6 years and 9 months. Pathological Q waves were found in 52.5% of the patients. Q wave myocarditis group had higher troponin I values (499 vs. 145 ng/L, p = 0.011) and longer hospital stays (13 vs. 9 days, p = 0.020) than the non-Q wave group. They also required higher doses of inotropic or vasoactive drugs. 61.3% of Q wave patients needed mechanical ventilation compared to 35.7% of non-Q wave patients (p = 0.069). All the patients who died or discharged with an LVEF < 30% belonged to the Q wave group. CONCLUSION Q wave in AM warrants close monitoring and intensive treatment as it accompanies more severe complications and poorer outcomes. This readily available ECG finding can be a clue to prognoses of AM patients. Further research with larger populations is needed to better understand Q wave prognostic accuracy and its potential role in guiding more expensive treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Mohammadi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Fereidooni
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nima Mehdizadegan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamid Amoozgar
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Naghshzan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Edraki
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amirali Tavangar
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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14
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Mezzetti E, Costantino A, Leoni M, Pieretti R, Di Paolo M, Frati P, Maiese A, Fineschi V. Autoimmune Heart Disease: A Comprehensive Summary for Forensic Practice. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1364. [PMID: 37629654 PMCID: PMC10456745 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune heart disease is a non-random condition characterised by immune system-mediated aggression against cardiac tissue. Cardiac changes often exhibit nonspecific features and, if unrecognised, can result in fatal outcomes even among seemingly healthy young individuals. In the absence of reliable medical history, the primary challenge lies in differentiating between the various cardiopathies. Numerous immunohistochemical and genetic studies have endeavoured to characterise distinct types of cardiopathies, facilitating their differentiation during autopsy examinations. However, the presence of a standardised protocol that forensic pathologists can employ to guide their investigations would be beneficial. Hence, this summary aims to present the spectrum of autoimmune cardiopathies, including emerging insights such as SARS-CoV-2-induced cardiopathies, and proposes the utilisation of practical tools, such as blood markers, to aid forensic pathologists in their routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Mezzetti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Andrea Costantino
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Matteo Leoni
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Rebecca Pieretti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Marco Di Paolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (V.F.)
| | - Aniello Maiese
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.M.); (A.C.); (M.L.); (R.P.); (M.D.P.)
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (V.F.)
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15
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Saleh T, Fuller T, Cambou MC, Segura ER, Kamau E, Yang S, Garner OB, Nielsen-Saines K. Epidemiology and SARS-CoV-2 Infection Patterns among Youth Followed at a Large Los Angeles Health Network during 2020-2022: Clinical Presentation, Prevalent Strains, and Correlates of Disease Severity. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1024. [PMID: 37376413 PMCID: PMC10300956 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outcomes of SARS CoV-2 infection in infants, children and young adults are reported less frequently than in older populations. The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 cases in LA County youths followed at a large health network in southern California over two years was evaluated. METHODS A prospective cohort study of patients aged 0-24 years diagnosed with COVID-19 was conducted. Demographics, age distribution, disease severity, circulating variants of concern (VOCs), and immunization rates were compared between first and second pandemic years. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of factors associated with severe/critical COVID-19. RESULTS In total, 61,208 patients 0-24 years of age were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); 5263 positive patients (8.6%) with available data were identified between March 2020 and March 2022. In Year 1, 5.8% (1622/28,088) of youths tested positive, compared to 11% (3641/33,120) in Year 2 (p < 0.001). Most youths had mild/asymptomatic illness over two years. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was >12% across all age groups in the second half of Year 2, when Omicron prevailed. Pulmonary disease was associated with higher risk of severe COVID-19 in both years (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.4-4.3, p = 0.002, Year 1; OR: 11.3, 95% CI: 4.3-29.6, Year 2, p < 0.001). Receipt of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose was protective against severe COVID-19 (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.11-0.80, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Despite different VOCs and higher rates of test positivity in Year 2 compared to Year 1, most youths with COVID-19 had asymptomatic/mild disease. Underlying pulmonary conditions increased the risk of severe COVID-19, while vaccination was highly protective against severe disease in youths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawny Saleh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Trevon Fuller
- Institute for the Environment and Sustainability at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mary C. Cambou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eddy R. Segura
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Huánuco, Huánuco 10260, Peru;
| | - Edwin Kamau
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Pathology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (E.K.)
| | - Shangxin Yang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Pathology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (E.K.)
| | - Omai B. Garner
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Pathology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (E.K.)
| | - Karin Nielsen-Saines
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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16
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Mitrofanova LB, Makarov IA, Gorshkov AN, Runov AL, Vonsky MS, Pisareva MM, Komissarov AB, Makarova TA, Li Q, Karonova TL, Konradi AO, Shlaykhto EV. Comparative Study of the Myocardium of Patients from Four COVID-19 Waves. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13091645. [PMID: 37175037 PMCID: PMC10178873 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have compared COVID-19 patients from different waves. This study aims to conduct a clinical and morphological analysis of patients who died from COVID-19 during four waves. METHODS The study involved 276 patients who died from COVID-19 during four waves, including 77 patients in the first wave, 119 patients in the second wave, and 78 patients in the third wave. We performed a histological examination of myocardium samples from autopsies and additionally analyzed the samples by PCR. We conducted immunohistochemistry of the myocardium for 21 samples using antibodies against CD3, CD45, CD8, CD68, CD34, Ang1, VWF, VEGF, HLA-DR, MHC1, C1q, enteroviral VP1, and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We also did immunofluorescent staining of three myocardial specimens using VP1/SARS-CoV-2 antibody cocktails. Further, we ran RT-ddPCR analysis for 14 RNA samples extracted from paraffin-embedded myocardium. Electron microscopic studies of the myocardium were also performed for two samples from the fourth wave. RESULTS Among the 276 cases, active myocarditis was diagnosed in 5% (15/276). Of these cases, 86% of samples expressed VP1, and individual cells contained SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in 22%. Immunofluorescence confirmed the co-localization of VP1 and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins. ddPCR did not confidently detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the myocardium in any myocarditis cases. However, the myocardium sample from wave IV detected a sub-threshold signal of SARS-CoV-2 by qPCR, but myocarditis in this patient was not confirmed. Electron microscopy showed several single particles similar to SARS-CoV-2 virions on the surface of the endothelium of myocardial vessels. A comparison of the cardiovascular complication incidence between three waves revealed that the incidence of hemorrhage (48 vs. 24 vs. 17%), myocardial necrosis (18 vs. 11 vs. 4%), blood clots in the intramural arteries (12 vs. 7 vs. 0%), and myocarditis (19 vs. 1 vs. 6%) decreased over time, and CD8-T-killers appeared. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of endotheliitis in all 21 studied cases. CONCLUSIONS This study compared myocardial damage in patients who died during three COVID-19 waves and showed a decrease in the incidence of endotheliitis complications (thrombosis, hemorrhage, necrosis) and myocarditis over time. However, the connection between myocarditis and SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unproven.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrey Nikolaevich Gorshkov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, St. Petersburg 197376, Russia
| | - Andrey Leonidovich Runov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
- D.I. Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology, St. Petersburg 190005, Russia
| | - Maxim Sergeevich Vonsky
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, St. Petersburg 197341, Russia
- D.I. Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology, St. Petersburg 190005, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Qingli Li
- East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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17
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Ferreira VM, Plein S, Wong TC, Tao Q, Raisi-Estabragh Z, Jain SS, Han Y, Ojha V, Bluemke DA, Hanneman K, Weinsaft J, Vidula MK, Ntusi NAB, Schulz-Menger J, Kim J. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance for evaluation of cardiac involvement in COVID-19: recommendations by the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2023; 25:21. [PMID: 36973744 PMCID: PMC10041524 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-023-00933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global pandemic that has affected nearly 600 million people to date across the world. While COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, cardiac injury is also known to occur. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is uniquely capable of characterizing myocardial tissue properties in-vivo, enabling insights into the pattern and degree of cardiac injury. The reported prevalence of myocardial involvement identified by CMR in the context of COVID-19 infection among previously hospitalized patients ranges from 26 to 60%. Variations in the reported prevalence of myocardial involvement may result from differing patient populations (e.g. differences in severity of illness) and the varying intervals between acute infection and CMR evaluation. Standardized methodologies in image acquisition, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of CMR abnormalities across would likely improve concordance between studies. This consensus document by the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) provides recommendations on CMR imaging and reporting metrics towards the goal of improved standardization and uniform data acquisition and analytic approaches when performing CMR in patients with COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Ferreira
- University of Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research (OCMR), Oxford British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, The National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sven Plein
- Department of Biomedical Imaging Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Timothy C Wong
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Qian Tao
- Department of Imaging Physics, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Zahra Raisi-Estabragh
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Supriya S Jain
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Yuchi Han
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Vineeta Ojha
- Department of Cardiovascular Radiology and Endovascular Interventions, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - David A Bluemke
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Kate Hanneman
- Department of Medical Imaging, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jonathan Weinsaft
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
| | - Mahesh K Vidula
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Ntobeko A B Ntusi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital; Cape Heart Institute, University of Cape Town, South African Medical Research Council Extramural Unit On Intersection of Noncommunicable Diseases and Infectious Diseases, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeanette Schulz-Menger
- Working Group on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between Charité and MDC, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Nephrology, Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jiwon Kim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA.
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18
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COVID-19-Induced Myocarditis: Pathophysiological Roles of ACE2 and Toll-like Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065374. [PMID: 36982447 PMCID: PMC10049267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical manifestations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) commonly include dyspnoea and fatigue, and they primarily involve the lungs. However, extra-pulmonary organ dysfunctions, particularly affecting the cardiovascular system, have also been observed following COVID-19 infection. In this context, several cardiac complications have been reported, including hypertension, thromboembolism, arrythmia and heart failure, with myocardial injury and myocarditis being the most frequent. These secondary myocardial inflammatory responses appear to be associated with a poorer disease course and increased mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. In addition, numerous episodes of myocarditis have been reported as a complication of COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations, especially in young adult males. Changes in the cell surface expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and direct injury to cardiomyocytes resulting from exaggerated immune responses to COVID-19 are just some of the mechanisms that may explain the pathogenesis of COVID-19-induced myocarditis. Here, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying myocarditis associated with COVID-19 infection, with a particular focus on the involvement of ACE2 and Toll-like receptors (TLRs).
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19
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Niebauer JH, Binder-Rodriguez C, Iscel A, Schedl S, Capelle C, Kahr M, Cadjo S, Schamilow S, Badr-Eslam R, Lichtenauer M, Toma A, Zoufaly A, Valenta R, Hoffmann S, Charwat-Resl S, Krestan C, Hitzl W, Wenisch C, Bonderman D. Cardiopulmonary Long-Term Sequelae in Patients after Severe COVID-19 Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041536. [PMID: 36836071 PMCID: PMC9959779 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to identify cardiopulmonary long-term effects after severe COVID-19 disease as well as predictors of Long-COVID in a prospective registry. A total of 150 consecutive, hospitalized patients (February 2020 and April 2021) were included six months post hospital discharge for a clinical follow-up. Among them, 49% experienced fatigue, 38% exertional dyspnea and 75% fulfilled criteria for Long-COVID. Echocardiography detected reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS) in 11% and diastolic dysfunction in 4%. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed traces of pericardial effusion in 18% and signs of former pericarditis or myocarditis in 4%. Pulmonary function was impaired in 11%. Chest computed tomography identified post-infectious residues in 22%. Whereas fatigue did not correlate with cardiopulmonary abnormalities, exertional dyspnea was associated with impaired pulmonary function (OR 3.6 [95% CI: 1.2-11], p = 0.026), reduced GLS (OR 5.2 [95% CI: 1.6-16.7], p = 0.003) and/or left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (OR 4.2 [95% CI: 1.03-17], p = 0.04). Predictors of Long-COVID included length of in-hospital stay (OR: 1.15 [95% CI: 1.05-1.26], p = 0.004), admission to intensive care unit (OR cannot be computed, p = 0.001) and higher NT-proBNP (OR: 1.5 [95% CI: 1.05-2.14], p = 0.026). Even 6 months after discharge, a majority fulfilled criteria for Long-COVID. While no associations between fatigue and cardiopulmonary abnormalities were found, exertional dyspnea correlated with impaired pulmonary function, reduced GLS and/or diastolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmet Iscel
- Department of Cardiology, Favoriten Clinic, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Schedl
- Department of Cardiology, Favoriten Clinic, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Michael Kahr
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Simona Cadjo
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Schamilow
- Department of Cardiology, Favoriten Clinic, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Roza Badr-Eslam
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Lichtenauer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, University Hospital Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Aurel Toma
- Department of Cardiology, Favoriten Clinic, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Zoufaly
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Favoriten Clinic, 1100 Vienna, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Sabine Hoffmann
- Department of Cardiology, Favoriten Clinic, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Wolfgang Hitzl
- Team Biostatistics and Publication of Clinical Trial Studies, Research and Innovation Management (RIM), Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Research Program Experimental Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christoph Wenisch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Favoriten Clinic, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Diana Bonderman
- Department of Cardiology, Favoriten Clinic, 1100 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
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20
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Gabrielson K, Myers S, Yi J, Gabrielson E, Jimenez IA. Comparison of Cardiovascular Pathology In Animal Models of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Recommendations Regarding Standardization of Research Methods. Comp Med 2023; 73:58-71. [PMID: 36731878 PMCID: PMC9948900 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-cm-22-000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged as the viral pathogen that led to the global COVID-19 pandemic that began in late 2019. Because SARS-CoV-2 primarily causes a respiratory disease, much research conducted to date has focused on the respiratory system. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection also affects other organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. In this critical analysis of published data, we evaluate the evidence of cardiovascular pathology in human patients and animals. Overall, we find that the presence or absence of cardiovascular pathology is reported infrequently in both human autopsy studies and animal models of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, in those studies that have reported cardiovascular pathology, we identified issues in their design and execution that reduce confidence in the conclusions regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection as a cause of significant cardiovascular pathology. Throughout this overview, we expand on these limitations and provide recommendations to ensure a high level of scientific rigor and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Gabrielson
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephanie Myers
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas; and
| | - Jena Yi
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Edward Gabrielson
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Isabel A Jimenez
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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21
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Razaghi A, Szakos A, Al-Shakarji R, Björnstedt M, Szekely L. Morphological changes without histological myocarditis in hearts of COVID-19 deceased patients. Scand Cardiovasc J Suppl 2022; 56:166-173. [PMID: 35678649 DOI: 10.1080/14017431.2022.2085320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Patients with underlying heart diseases have a higher risk of dying from Covid-19. It has also been suggested that Covid-19 affects the heart through myocarditis. Despite the rapidly growing research on the management of Covid-19 associated complications, most of the ongoing research is focused on the respiratory complications of Covid-19, and little is known about the prevalence of myocarditis. Design. This study aimed to characterize myocardial involvement by using a panel of antibodies to detect hypoxic and inflammatory changes and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in heart tissues obtained during the autopsy procedure of Covid-19 deceased patients. Thirty-seven fatal COVID-19 cases and 21 controls were included in this study. Results. Overall, the Covid-19 hearts had several histopathological changes like the waviness of myocytes, fibrosis, contract band necrosis, infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, vacuolization, and necrosis of myocytes. In addition, endothelial damage and activation were detected in heart tissue. However, viral replication was not detected using RNA in situ hybridization. Also, lymphocyte infiltration, as a hallmark of myocarditis, was not seen in this study. Conclusion. No histological sign of myocarditis was detected in any of our cases; our findings are thus most congruent with the hypothesis of the presence of a circulating endothelium activating factor such as VEGF, originating outside of the heart, probably from the hypoxic part of the Covid-19 lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Razaghi
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Attila Szakos
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Riham Al-Shakarji
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Björnstedt
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laszlo Szekely
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Laboratory of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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22
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Sangpornsuk N, Rungpradubvong V, Tokavanich N, Srisomwong S, Ananwattanasuk T, Teerawongsakul P, Kerr SJ, Suwanwalaikorn M, Jongnarangsin K, Chokesuwattanaskul R. Arrhythmias after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with a Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device: A Multicenter Study. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112838. [PMID: 36359357 PMCID: PMC9687180 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most concerning adverse events related to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is arrhythmia. To ascertain the relationship between vaccination and arrhythmic events, we studied the occurrence of arrhythmia in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) before and after a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Patients with CIEDs aged ≥18 who visited the CIED clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Vajira hospital from August 2021 to February 2022 were included. Information about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and side effects was obtained. One hundred eighty patients were included in our study, which compared the incidence of arrhythmias in the 14 days post-vaccination to the 14 days before vaccination. The median age was 70 years. The number of patients who received one, two, and three doses of the vaccine was 180, 88, and 4, respectively. ChAdOx1 was the primary vaccine used in our institutes, accounting for 86% of vaccinations. The vaccination was significantly associated with a 73% increase incidence of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). In an adjusted model, factors associated with the incidence of SVT were the post-vaccination period, female sex, increasing BMI, chronic kidney disease, and a history of atrial fibrillation. Increased ventricular arrhythmia (VA) episodes were also associated with the post-vaccination period, female sex, decreasing BMI, and chronic kidney disease, but to a lesser degree than those with SVT episodes. No life-threatening arrhythmia was noted in this study. In conclusion, the incidence of arrhythmia in patients implanted with CIEDs was significantly increased after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruepat Sangpornsuk
- Center of Excellence in Arrhythmia Research, Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Voravut Rungpradubvong
- Center of Excellence in Arrhythmia Research, Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nithi Tokavanich
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Sathapana Srisomwong
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Teetouch Ananwattanasuk
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Padoemwut Teerawongsakul
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
| | - Stephen J. Kerr
- Biostatistics Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Mathurin Suwanwalaikorn
- Center of Excellence in Arrhythmia Research, Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Krit Jongnarangsin
- Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ronpichai Chokesuwattanaskul
- Center of Excellence in Arrhythmia Research, Cardiac Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-(22)-564265; Fax: +66-(22)-564356
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23
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Influence of SARS-COV-2 Infection on Cytokine Production by Mitogen-Stimulated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Neutrophils in COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit Patients. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112194. [PMID: 36363785 PMCID: PMC9695671 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We sought to investigate the influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the cytokine profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and neutrophils from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Neutrophils and PBMCs were separated and stimulated with the mitogen phytohemagglutinin. Culture supernatants of mitogen-stimulated PBMCs and neutrophils from 88 COVID-19 ICU patients and 88 healthy controls were evaluated for levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, -4, -5, -6, -9, -10, -12, -17A, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α using anti-cytokine antibody MACSPlex capture beads. Cytokine profiles of PBMCs showed significantly lower levels of GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17A, and TNF-α (p < 0.0001) in COVID-19 ICU patients. In contrast, COVID-19 ICU patients showed higher median levels of IL-2 (p < 0.001) and IL-5 (p < 0.01) by PBMCs. As for neutrophils, COVID-19 ICU patients showed significantly lower levels of GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-12, TNF-α (p < 0.0001), and IFN-α (p < 0.01). T-helper (Th)1:Th2 cytokine ratios revealed lower inflammatory cytokine for PBMCs and neutrophils in COVID-19 ICU patients. Cytokine production profiles and Th1:Th2 cytokine ratios suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has an immunomodulatory effect on PBMCs and neutrophils. This study also suggests that the increased levels of several cytokines in the serum are not sourced from PBMCs and neutrophils.
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24
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Xanthopoulos A, Bourazana A, Giamouzis G, Skoularigki E, Dimos A, Zagouras A, Papamichalis M, Leventis I, Magouliotis DE, Triposkiadis F, Skoularigis J. COVID-19 and the heart. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:9970-9984. [PMID: 36246800 PMCID: PMC9561576 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i28.9970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in December 2019 due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a strain of SARS-CoV. Patients infected with the virus present a wide spectrum of manifestations ranging from mild flu-like symptoms, cough, fever and fatigue to severe lung injury, appearing as bilateral interstitial pneumonia or acute respiratory failure. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection predominantly offends the respiratory system, it has been associated with several cardiovascular complications as well. For example, patients with COVID-19 may either develop type 2 myocardial infarction due to myocardial oxygen demand and supply imbalance or acute coronary syndrome resulting from excessive inflammatory response to the primary infection. The incidence of COVID-19 related myocarditis is estimated to be accountable for an average of 7% of all COVID-19 related fatal cases, whereas heart failure (HF) may develop due to infiltration of the heart by inflammatory cells, destructive action of pro-inflammatory cytokines, micro-thrombosis and new onset or aggravated endothelial and respiratory failure. Lastly, SARS-CoV-2 can engender arrhythmias through direct myocardial damage causing acute myocarditis or through HF decompensation or secondary, through respiratory failure or severe respiratory distress syndrome. In this comprehensive review we summarize the COVID-19 related cardiovascular complications (acute coronary syndromes, myocarditis, HF, arrhythmias) and discuss the main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Xanthopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Angeliki Bourazana
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Grigorios Giamouzis
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | | | - Apostolos Dimos
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Alexandros Zagouras
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Leventis
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | - Dimitrios E Magouliotis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Thessaly, Larissa Biopolis, Larissa 41110, Greece
| | | | - John Skoularigis
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa 41110, Greece
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25
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Vidusa L, Kalejs O, Maca-Kaleja A, Strumfa I. Role of Endomyocardial Biopsy in Diagnostics of Myocarditis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092104. [PMID: 36140505 PMCID: PMC9497694 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endomyocardial biopsy as the cornerstone of diagnostics has been re-evaluated throughout the years, leaving unanswered questions on the precedence of it. The reported incidence of myocarditis has increased during the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), reinforcing discussions on appropriate diagnostics of myocarditis. By analysis of evidence-based literature published within the last demi-decade, we aimed to summarize the most recent information in order to evaluate the current role of endomyocardial biopsy in diagnostics and management of myocarditis. For the most part, research published over the last five years showed ongoing uncertainty regarding the use, informativeness, safety and necessity of performing a biopsy. Special circumstances, such as fulminant clinical course or failure to respond to empirical treatment, were reconfirmed as justified indications, with a growing applicability of non-invasive diagnostic approaches for most other cases. We concluded that endomyocardial biopsy, if performed properly and with adjunct diagnostic methods, holds a critical role for treatment correction in specific histological subtypes of myocarditis and for differential diagnosis between immune-mediated myocarditis and secondary infections due to immunosuppressive treatment. A high level of possible misdiagnosing was detected, indicating the need to review terminology used to describe findings of myocardial inflammation that did not meet Dallas criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liga Vidusa
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
| | - Oskars Kalejs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu Street, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Aija Maca-Kaleja
- Department of Internal Medicine, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Latvian Centre of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, 13 Pilsonu Street, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ilze Strumfa
- Department of Pathology, Riga Stradins University, 16 Dzirciema Street, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia
- Correspondence:
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26
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Mansanguan S, Charunwatthana P, Piyaphanee W, Dechkhajorn W, Poolcharoen A, Mansanguan C. Cardiovascular Manifestation of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Adolescents. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7080196. [PMID: 36006288 PMCID: PMC9414075 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7080196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on cardiovascular manifestation, particularly myocarditis and pericarditis events, after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine injection in Thai adolescents. This prospective cohort study enrolled students aged 13–18 years from two schools, who received the second dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Data including demographics, symptoms, vital signs, ECG, echocardiography, and cardiac enzymes were collected at baseline, Day 3, Day 7, and Day 14 (optional) using case record forms. We enrolled 314 participants; of these, 13 participants were lost to follow-up, leaving 301 participants for analysis. The most common cardiovascular signs and symptoms were tachycardia (7.64%), shortness of breath (6.64%), palpitation (4.32%), chest pain (4.32%), and hypertension (3.99%). One participant could have more than one sign and/or symptom. Seven participants (2.33%) exhibited at least one elevated cardiac biomarker or positive lab assessments. Cardiovascular manifestations were found in 29.24% of patients, ranging from tachycardia or palpitation to myopericarditis. Myopericarditis was confirmed in one patient after vaccination. Two patients had suspected pericarditis and four patients had suspected subclinical myocarditis. In conclusion, Cardiovascular manifestation in adolescents after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccination included tachycardia, palpitation, and myopericarditis. The clinical presentation of myopericarditis after vaccination was usually mild and temporary, with all cases fully recovering within 14 days. Hence, adolescents receiving mRNA vaccines should be monitored for cardiovascular side effects. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05288231.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prakaykaew Charunwatthana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Piyaphanee
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Wilanee Dechkhajorn
- Department of Tropical Pathology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Chayasin Mansanguan
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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Rácz G, Takács H, Kormányos Á, Polestyuk B, Borbás J, Gyenes N, Schvartz N, Németh G, Kincses ZT, Sepp R, Nagy V. Screening for Myocardial Injury after Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with Advanced Transthoracic Echocardiography Modalities. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081941. [PMID: 36010290 PMCID: PMC9406902 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 viral infection affect mainly the respiratory system, cardiac complications are common and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. While echocardiographic alterations indicating myocardial involvement are widely reported in patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19 infection, much fewer data available in non-hospitalized, mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients. In our work, we aimed to investigate subclinical cardiac alterations characterized by parameters provided by advanced echocardiographic techniques following mild SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. A total of 86 patients (30 males, age: 39.5 ± 13.0 yrs) were assessed 59 ± 33 days after mild SARS-CoV-2 viral infection (requiring no hospital or <5 days in-hospital treatment) by advanced echocardiographic examination including 2-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking echocardiography and non-invasive myocardial work analysis, and were compared to an age-and sex-matched control group. Altogether, variables from eleven echocardiographic categories representing morphological or functional echocardiographic parameters showed statistical difference between the post-COVID patient group and the control group. The magnitude of change was subtle or mild in the case of these parameters, ranging from 1−11.7% of relative change. Among the parameters, global longitudinal strain [−20.3 (−21.1−−19.0) vs. −19.1 (−20.4−−17.6) %; p = 0.0007], global myocardial work index [1975 (1789−2105) vs. 1829 (1656−2057) Hgmm%; p = 0.007] and right ventricular free wall strain values (−26.6 ± 3.80 vs. −23.8 ± 4.0%; p = 0.0003) showed the most significant differences between the two groups. Subclinical cardiac alterations are present following even mild SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. These more subtle alterations are difficult to detect by routine echocardiography. Extended protocols, involving speckle-tracking echocardiography, non-invasive measurement of cardiac hemodynamics, and possibly myocardial work are necessary for detection and adequate follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Rácz
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Hedvig Takács
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Árpád Kormányos
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bianka Polestyuk
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Borbás
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nándor Gyenes
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Noémi Schvartz
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gergely Németh
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Róbert Sepp
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-30-267-5845; Fax: +36-62-545-820
| | - Viktória Nagy
- Division of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
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Histopathological Features of SARS-CoV-2 in Extrapulmonary Organ Infection: A Systematic Review of Literature. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080867. [PMID: 36014988 PMCID: PMC9415619 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global health concern responsible for the ongoing pandemic. Histopathological pieces of evidence on COVID-19 are not fully investigated. This review aims to provide, through microscopy investigations, a histopathological overview of COVID-19 structural and ultrastructural alterations in different organs and tissues, excluding the respiratory system. The authors systematically reviewed the literature over the period February 2020–July 2022. Selected databases were PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The search strategy included the following terms: “COVID-19” or SARS-CoV-2 and “histopathology” or “pathology”; and “microscopy” and “liver”, “myocardium”,” spleen”, “testis”, and “placenta”. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Thirty-one articles included in this systematic review demonstrated, at a histopathological level, that COVID-19 exerts detrimental effects on tissues, often promoting degenerative processes. Even if COVID-19 shows a histopathological tropism for the respiratory system, other tissues, from cardiovascular to reproductive, are affected by COVID-19. Therefore, this paper provides an up-to-date view of histopathological observations of the structural and ultrastructural alterations associated with COVID-19 and may contribute to a better knowledge of the physiopathological bases of this disease.
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Sharma K, Patel S, Patel Z, Patel KB, Doshi JS, Shah DB, Chokshi P, Parbatani A, Sharma C, Patel A, Konat A. A Comprehensive Analysis of Myocarditis in Formerly Healthy Individuals Following SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination (COVID-19 Immunization). Cureus 2022; 14:e26851. [PMID: 35974860 PMCID: PMC9375127 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expedited the authorization of immunizations to counteract life-threatening COVID-19 effects. COVID-19 immunization was seen as an essential component of surviving endemically with COVID-19. Although there were no major adverse event reports that mandated an early authorization of the mass vaccination approval in initial studies, a few significant adverse events were reported after real-world usage. The most prevalent adverse events are regional reactions, such as discomfort at the injection site. Anaphylactic shock and acute responses were quite infrequent. Current evidence strongly convince the community that the advantages of immunization outweigh the risks. The review investigates the potential adverse reaction in the form of myocarditis caused by the COVID-19 vaccine. Age, sexuality, vaccination type, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic modalities were among the confounding factors associated with vaccine-induced myocarditis. This picture depicts COVID-19 immunization-induced myocarditis and the treatment options available to practitioners. Further evaluation is needed to establish the underlying cause of this association. We compiled the most recent data on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced myocarditis after reviewing available research. Information sources including PubMed and Google Scholar were evaluated retrospectively.
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Sozzi FB, Gherbesi E, Faggiano A, Gnan E, Maruccio A, Schiavone M, Iacuzio L, Carugo S. Viral Myocarditis: Classification, Diagnosis, and Clinical Implications. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:908663. [PMID: 35795363 PMCID: PMC9250986 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.908663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium with focal or diffuse involvement. Viral infections are the most common cause of myocarditis, especially in Western countries. A recent viral illness with gastroenteric or upper respiratory symptoms often precedes myocarditis. The absence of specific pathognomonic features in conjunction with the wide spectrum of clinical manifestations that range from subclinical cases to sudden cardiac death (SCD) makes myocarditis diagnosis particularly challenging. Moreover, myocarditis might represent a cause of initially unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart failure (HF), especially among children and young adults. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is crucial for myocarditis diagnosis, because of its ability to detect interstitial edema during acute inflammation. Assessment of subepicardial or mid-myocardial fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is typical for myocarditis. Cardiac arrhythmias are frequent events that may arise especially in more severe myocarditis cases. The most common form of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation, followed by ventricular tachycardia. Documented arrhythmias have been reported more commonly with HIV myocarditis than other more common infections such as Adenovirus, Parvovirus B19, human Herpes virus 6, and Enterovirus. The mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis in myocardial inflammation are not fully understood; in the acute phase, the spectrum of arrhythmogenesis ranges from a direct effect on cardiomyocytes that leads to electrical instability and ion channel impairment to ischemia from coronary macro- or microvascular disease. In chronic myocarditis, instead, myocardial replacement with fibrosis promotes scar-mediated re-entrant ventricular arrhythmias. Observational data suggested the important role of CMR, with LGE being the strongest independent predictor of SCD, cardiac, and all-cause mortality. In acute myocarditis, the most common localization of subepicardial LGE dwells in the lateral wall. Patients with myocarditis that develop HF and arrhythmias usually show a larger LGE distribution involving several myocardial segments. Moreover, a mid-layer LGE in the interventricular septum is more frequent in acute myocarditis than in acute coronary syndromes cases. The risk of SCD in patients with wide areas of LGE is significant, and a shared decision-making approach is warranted. Nevertheless, there is no formal consensus about the extension of LGE to justify implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation in primary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola B. Sozzi
- Cardiology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS Cà Granda, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Gherbesi
- Cardiology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS Cà Granda, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Faggiano
- Cardiology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS Cà Granda, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gnan
- Cardiology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS Cà Granda, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Maruccio
- Cardiology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS Cà Granda, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Cardiology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Carugo
- Cardiology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico IRCCS Cà Granda, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Sofizan NMFBN, Rahman AFBA, Soon LP, Ly CK, Abdullah NZB. Autopsy findings in COVID-19 infection-related death: a systematic review. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2022; 12:22. [PMID: 35573158 PMCID: PMC9086658 DOI: 10.1186/s41935-022-00280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) has been declared as pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020. As of 28 November 2021, there were more than 260 million cases and nearly 5.2 million deaths caused by COVID-19. The most affected system by COVID-19 infection was the respiratory system although several other studies suggested multi-organ involvement with pathophysiology that was not clearly understood. Autopsy findings were beneficial to researchers to determine the mechanism behind these organ failures. The objective of this review was to summarize the autopsy findings related to COVID-19 death. Method Online literature search was conducted via online databases such as Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. The keywords inputted during the search were “post-mortem”, “autopsy” and “COVID-19” in title, abstract and keywords. The inclusion criteria were the topic related with the title of this review, published in 2020–2021, have full text available and in English language. Any articles that were not related, duplicated studies, review articles including systematic review and meta-analysis and in other languages were excluded. Results A total of 20 articles were included in this review. The articles reviewed were mostly case reports and case series while others were case-control and cohort study ranging from one to 348 cases. Majority were originated from the United States of America (USA). Conclusion The most frequent system described in autopsy findings in COVID-19 death was the respiratory system, with the most common histological finding of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). Majority of the findings of other organs were related to chronic diseases.
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Melgar M, Haston J, DeCuir J, Cheng Q, Arnold KE, Meng L, Murphy DJ, Overton E, Hollberg J, Tobin-D’Angelo M, Patel P, Campbell AP, Godfred-Cato S, Belay ED. Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults: Case Finding Through Systematic Review of Electronic Medical Records. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1903-1911. [PMID: 35442436 PMCID: PMC9383808 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is a severe condition temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we applied the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definition to identify diagnosed and undiagnosed MIS-A cases among adults discharged during April 2020-January 2021 from 4 Atlanta, Georgia hospitals affiliated with a single medical center. Non-MIS-A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalizations were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification encounter code U07.1. We calculated the ratio of MIS-A to COVID-19 hospitalizations, compared demographic characteristics of the 2 cohorts, and described clinical characteristics of MIS-A patients. RESULTS We identified 11 MIS-A cases, none of which were diagnosed by the treatment team, and 5755 COVID-19 hospitalizations (ratio 1:523). Compared with patients with COVID-19, patients with MIS-A were more likely to be younger than 50 years (72.7% vs 26.1%, P < .01) and to be non-Hispanic Black (81.8% vs 50.0%, P = .04). Ten patients with MIS-A (90.9%) had at least 1 underlying medical condition. Two MIS-A patients (18.2%) had a previous episode of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, occurring 37 and 55 days prior to admission. All MIS-A patients developed left ventricular systolic dysfunction. None had documented mucocutaneous involvement. All required intensive care, all received systemic corticosteroids, 8 (72.7%) required mechanical ventilation, 2 (18.2%) required mechanical cardiovascular circulatory support, and none received intravenous immunoglobulin. Two (18.2%) died or were discharged to hospice. CONCLUSIONS MIS-A is a severe but likely underrecognized complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Improved recognition of MIS-A is needed to quantify its burden and identify populations at highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Melgar
- Correspondence: M. Melgar, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA ()
| | - Julia Haston
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jennifer DeCuir
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Qi Cheng
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathryn E Arnold
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lu Meng
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David J Murphy
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Office of Quality and Risk, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Julie Hollberg
- Office of Quality and Risk, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, Georgia, USA,Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Melissa Tobin-D’Angelo
- Acute Disease Epidemiology Section, Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Pragna Patel
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Angela P Campbell
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shana Godfred-Cato
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ermias D Belay
- COVID-19 Response Team, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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The Importance of Vaccination in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Brief Update Regarding the Use of Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10040591. [PMID: 35455340 PMCID: PMC9027942 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10040591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led the world to undertake the largest vaccination campaign in human history. In record time, unprecedented scientific and governmental efforts have resulted in the acquisition of immunizers utilizing different technologies (nucleotide acids, viral vectors, inactivated and protein-based vaccines). Currently, 33 vaccines have already been approved by regulatory agencies in different countries, and more than 10 billion doses have been administered worldwide. Despite the undeniable impact of vaccination on the control of the pandemic, the recurrent emergence of new variants of interest has raised new challenges. The recent viral mutations precede new outbreaks that rapidly spread at global proportions. In addition, reducing protective efficacy rates have been observed among the main authorized vaccines. Besides these issues, several other crucial issues for the appropriate combatting of the pandemic remain uncertain or under investigation. Particularly noteworthy issues include the use of vaccine-boosting strategies to increase protection; concerns related to the long-term safety of vaccines, child immunization reliability and uncommon adverse events; the persistence of the virus in society; and the transition from a pandemic to an endemic state. In this review, we describe the updated scenario regarding SARS-CoV-2 variants and COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, we outline current discussions covering COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy, and the future pandemic perspectives.
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Myocarditis in Athletes Recovering from COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074279. [PMID: 35409960 PMCID: PMC8998516 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: To assess the event rates of myocarditis detected by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) in athletes who recovered from COVID-19. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies reporting abnormal CMR findings in athletes who recovered from COVID-19. Secondary analyses were performed considering increased serum high sensitivity troponin (hs-Tn) levels and electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic (ECHO) abnormalities. Results: In total, 7988 athletes from 15 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled event rate of myocarditis was 1% (CI 1–2%), reaching 4% in the sub-group analysis. In addition, heterogeneity was observed (I2 43.8%). The pooled event rates of elevated serum hs-Tn levels, abnormal ECG and ECHO findings were 2% (CI 1–5%), 3% (CI 1–10%) and 2% (CI 1–6%), respectively. ECG, ECHO and serum hs-Tn level abnormalities did not show any correlation with myocarditis. Conclusions: The prevalence of COVID-19-related myocarditis in the athletic population ranges from 1 to 4%. Even if the event rate is quite low, current screening protocols are helpful tools for a safe return to play to properly address CMR studies. Trial registration: the study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42022300819).
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Comparative Evaluation of Rapid Isothermal Amplification and Antigen Assays for Screening Testing of SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030468. [PMID: 35336875 PMCID: PMC8951466 DOI: 10.3390/v14030468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and emergent variants of concern continue to occur globally, despite mass vaccination campaigns. Public health strategies to reduce virus spread should therefore rely, in part, on frequent screening with rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive tests. We evaluated two digitally integrated rapid tests and assessed their performance using stored nasal swab specimens collected from individuals with or without COVID-19. An isothermal amplification assay combined with a lateral flow test had a limit of detection of 10 RNA copies per reaction, and a positive percent agreement (PPA)/negative percent agreement (NPA) during the asymptomatic and symptomatic phases of 100%/100% and 95.83/100%, respectively. Comparatively, an antigen-based lateral flow test had a limit of detection of 30,000 copies and a PPA/NPA during the asymptomatic and symptomatic phases of 82.86%/98.68% and 91.67/100%, respectively. Both the isothermal amplification and antigen-based lateral flow tests had optimized detection of SARS-CoV-2 during the peak period of transmission; however, the antigen-based test had reduced sensitivity in clinical samples with qPCR Ct values greater than 29.8. Low-cost, high-throughput screening enabled by isothermal amplification or antigen-based techniques have value for outbreak control.
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A Novel Methodology for the Synchronous Collection and Multimodal Visualization of Continuous Neurocardiovascular and Neuromuscular Physiological Data in Adults with Long COVID. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22051758. [PMID: 35270905 PMCID: PMC8914998 DOI: 10.3390/s22051758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Reports suggest that adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome or long COVID may be affected by orthostatic intolerance syndromes, with autonomic nervous system dysfunction as a possible causal factor of neurocardiovascular instability (NCVI). Long COVID can also manifest as prolonged fatigue, which may be linked to neuromuscular function impairment (NMFI). The current clinical assessment for NCVI monitors neurocardiovascular performance upon the application of orthostatic stressors such as an active (i.e., self-induced) stand or a passive (tilt table) standing test. Lower limb muscle contractions may be important in orthostatic recovery via the skeletal muscle pump. In this study, adults with long COVID were assessed with a protocol that, in addition to the standard NCVI tests, incorporated simultaneous lower limb muscle monitoring for NMFI assessment. Methods: To conduct such an investigation, a wide range of continuous non-invasive biomedical sensing technologies were employed, including digital artery photoplethysmography for the extraction of cardiovascular signals, near-infrared spectroscopy for the extraction of regional tissue oxygenation in brain and muscle, and electromyography for assessment of timed muscle contractions in the lower limbs. Results: With the proposed methodology described and exemplified in this paper, we were able to collect relevant physiological data for the assessment of neurocardiovascular and neuromuscular functioning. We were also able to integrate signals from a variety of instruments in a synchronized fashion and visualize the interactions between different physiological signals during the combined NCVI/NMFI assessment. Multiple counts of evidence were collected, which can capture the dynamics between skeletal muscle contractions and neurocardiovascular responses. Conclusions: The proposed methodology can offer an overview of the functioning of the neurocardiovascular and neuromuscular systems in a combined NCVI/NMFI setup and is capable of conducting comparative studies with signals from multiple participants at any given time in the assessment. This could help clinicians and researchers generate and test hypotheses based on the multimodal inspection of raw data in long COVID and other cohorts.
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Not Only COVID-19: Prevalence and Management of Latent Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection in Three Penitentiary Facilities in Southern Italy. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020386. [PMID: 35206999 PMCID: PMC8872010 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and active tuberculosis in prisoners are higher than the general population and are two public health concerns, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with LTBI among the inmate population detained in three Southern Italian penitentiaries. Tuberculin intradermal reaction skin test was performed on the inmates who agreed to participate in the study. In case of positivity, the QuantiFERON-TB test was performed. In those positive to QuantiFERON, chest X-ray films were performed, and treatment initiated. A total of 381 inmates accepted to participate. The prevalence of LTBI was 4.2%. In the analysis, LTBI was associated with no self-reported contact with active tuberculosis patients within the prisons, and 10% of subjects admitted the use of inhaled drugs. No HIV coinfections were found. No cases of active symptomatic tuberculosis were identified during the study period. Our results confirm that incarceration increases the risk of tuberculous infection. Non-EU nationality and a history of drug addiction appear to be major risk factors for tuberculosis infection in the penitentiary setting. Reinforcing tuberculosis control is essential to prevent its transmission in prisons.
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Maiese A, Baronti A, Manetti AC, Di Paolo M, Turillazzi E, Frati P, Fineschi V. Death after the Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines Approved by EMA: Has a Causal Relationship Been Demonstrated? Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020308. [PMID: 35214765 PMCID: PMC8875435 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
More than eight billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally so far and 44.29% of people are fully vaccinated. Pre-authorization clinical trials were carried out and the safety of vaccines is still continuously monitored through post-commercialization surveillance. However, some people are afraid of vaccine side effects, claiming they could lead to death, and hesitate to get vaccinated. Herein, a literature review of COVID-19-vaccine-related deaths has been carried out according to the PRISMA standards to understand if there is a causal relationship between vaccination and death and to highlight the real extent of such events. There have been 55 cases of death after COVID-19 vaccination reported and a causal relationship has been excluded in 17 cases. In the remaining cases, the causal link between the vaccine and the death was not specified (8) or considered possible (15), probable (1), or very probable/demonstrated (14). The causes of deaths among these cases were: vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) (32), myocarditis (3), ADEM (1), myocardial infarction (1), and rhabdomyolysis (1). In such cases, the demonstration of a causal relationship is not obvious, and more studies, especially with post-mortem investigations, are needed to deepen understanding of the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of fatal vaccine side effects. In any event, given the scarcity of fatal cases, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks and the scientific community needs to be cohesive in asserting that vaccination is fundamental to containing the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniello Maiese
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (M.D.P.); (E.T.)
| | - Arianna Baronti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (M.D.P.); (E.T.)
| | - Alice Chiara Manetti
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (M.D.P.); (E.T.)
| | - Marco Di Paolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (M.D.P.); (E.T.)
| | - Emanuela Turillazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (A.M.); (A.B.); (A.C.M.); (M.D.P.); (E.T.)
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Institute of Legal Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0649912722
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Rabbani MY, Rappaport J, Gupta MK. Activation of Immune System May Cause Pathophysiological Changes in the Myocardium of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Monkey Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040611. [PMID: 35203260 PMCID: PMC8869860 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is an extremely contagious disease whereby the virus damages the host’s respiratory tract via entering through the ACE2 receptor. Cardiovascular disorder is being recognized in the majority of COVID-19 patients; yet, the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and heart failure has not been established. In the present study, SARS-CoV-2 infection was induced in the monkey model. Thereafter, heart tissue samples were collected, and pathological changes were analyzed in the left ventricular tissue by hematoxylin and eosin, trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining specific to T lymphocytes and macrophages. The findings revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection induces several pathological changes in the heart, which cause cardiomyocyte disarray, mononuclear infiltrates of inflammatory cells, and hypertrophy. Furthermore, collagen-specific staining showed the development of cardiac fibrosis in the interstitial and perivascular regions in the hearts of infected primates. Moreover, the myocardial tissue samples displayed multiple foci of inflammatory cells positive for T lymphocytes and macrophages within the myocardium. These findings suggest the progression of the disease, which can lead to the development of severe complications, including heart failure. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 antigen staining detected the presence of virus particles in the myocardium. Thus, we found that SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by an exaggerated inflammatory immune response in the heart, which possibly contributes to myocardial remodeling and subsequent fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yahya Rabbani
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
| | - Jay Rappaport
- Division of Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA 70433, USA;
| | - Manish Kumar Gupta
- Division of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-407-266-7121
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Abstract
The risk of acute myocarditis associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccination has garnered intense (social) media attention. However, myocarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination is rare and usually resolves within days or weeks. Moreover, the risks of hospitalization and death associated with COVID-19 are greater than the risk associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Therefore, COVID-19 vaccination should be recommended in adolescents and adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Heymans
- Maastricht University Medical Centre, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
| | - Leslie T Cooper
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Cytokine Storm in COVID-19: Immunopathogenesis and Therapy. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58020144. [PMID: 35208467 PMCID: PMC8876409 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58020144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A cytokine storm is a hyperinflammatory state secondary to the excessive production of cytokines by a deregulated immune system. It manifests clinically as an influenza-like syndrome, which can be complicated by multi-organ failure and coagulopathy, leading, in the most severe cases, even to death. The term cytokine storm was first used in 1993 to describe the graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It was then reused to define the adverse syndromes secondary to the administration of immunostimulating agents, such as anti-CD28 antibodies or bioengineered immune cells, i.e., CAR T-cell therapy. Currently, the concept of cytokine storm has been better elucidated and extended to the pathogenesis of many other conditions, such as sepsis, autoinflammatory disease, primary and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and multicentric Castleman disease. Moreover, cytokine storm has recently emerged as a key aspect in the novel Coronavirus disease 2019, as affected patients show high levels of several key pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IP-10, GM-CSF, MCP-1, and IL-10, some of which also correlate with disease severity. Therefore, since the onset of the pandemic, numerous agents have been tested in the effort to mitigate the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients, some of which are effective in reducing mortality, especially in critically ill patients, and are now becoming standards of care, such as glucocorticoids or some cytokine inhibitors. However, the challenge is still far from being met, and other therapeutic strategies are being tested in the hope that we can eventually overcome the disease.
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Bhat RA, Maqbool S, Rathi A, Ali SM, Hussenbocus YAAM, Wentao X, Qu Y, Zhang Y, Sun Y, Fu HX, Wang LY, Dwivedi A, Bhat JA, Iqbal RS, Islam MM, Tibrewal A, Gao C. The Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus on the Cardiovascular System and Coagulation State Leading to Cardiovascular Diseases: A Narrative Review. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221093442. [PMID: 35613600 PMCID: PMC9149622 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221093442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus pandemic has led to morbidity and mortality throughout the
world. Until now, it is a highly virulent contagion attacking the respiratory
system in humans, especially people with chronic diseases and the elderly who
are most vulnerable. A majority of afflicted are those suffering from
cardiovascular and coronary diseases. In this review article, an attempt has
been made to discuss and thoroughly review the mode of therapies that alleviate
cardiac complications and complications due to hypercoagulation in patients
infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Presently a host of thrombolytic drugs are
in use like Prourokinase, Retelapse, RhTNK-tPA and Urokinase. However,
thrombolytic therapy, especially if given intravenously, is associated with a
serious risk of intracranial haemorrhage, systemic haemorrhage, immunologic
complications, hypotension and myocardial rupture. The effects of the SARS-CoV-2
virus upon the cardiovascular system and coagulation state of the body are being
closely studied. In connection to the same, clinical prognosis and complications
of thrombolytic therapy are being scrutinized. It is noteworthy to mention that
myocardial oxygen supply/demand mismatch, direct myocardial cells injury and
acute plaque rupture are the multiple mechanisms responsible for acute coronary
syndrome and cardiac complications in Covid-19 infection. However, this review
has limitations as data available in this context is limited, scattered and
heterogenous that questions the reliability of the same. So, more multi-centric
studies involving representative populations, carried out meticulously, could
further assist in responding better to cardiac complications among Covid-19
patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafiq A Bhat
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China; Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Syed Maqbool
- Department of Cardiology, Government Superspeciality Hospital, Srinagar, India
| | - Akanksha Rathi
- Department of Community Medicine, Vedanta Institute of Medical Sciences, Palghar, India
| | - Syed Manzoor Ali
- Department of Cardiology, Super Speciality Division, Government Medical College, Srinagar, India
| | | | - Xiao Wentao
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China; Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongsheng Qu
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China; Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - You Zhang
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China; Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxiao Sun
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China; Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Xia Fu
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China; Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Yun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Atul Dwivedi
- Department of Clinical and Basic Sciences, Medical School of Hubei Polytechnic University, Hubei, China
| | - Javaid Akhter Bhat
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Raja Saqib Iqbal
- Department of Paediatrics, Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Monowarul Islam
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Abhishek Tibrewal
- Department of Community Medicine, Institute of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Gurgaon, India
| | - Chuanyu Gao
- Department of Interventional Cardiology, Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China; Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.,Henan Provincial Key Laboratory for Control of Coronary Heart Disease, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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