scholarly journals Role of antibodies, inflammatory markers, and echocardiographic findings in post-acute cardiopulmonary symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Author(s):  
Matthew S Durstenfeld ◽  
Michael J Peluso ◽  
J Daniel Kelly ◽  
Sithu Win ◽  
Shreya Swaminathan ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Shortness of breath, chest pain, and palpitations occur as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), but whether symptoms are associated with echocardiographic abnormalities, cardiac biomarkers, or markers of systemic inflammation remains unknown. METHODS In a cross-sectional analysis, we assessed symptoms, performed echocardiograms, and measured biomarkers among adults >8 weeks after PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We modeled associations between symptoms and baseline characteristics, echocardiographic findings, and biomarkers using logistic regression. RESULTS We enrolled 102 participants at a median 7.2 months (IQR 4.1-9.1) following COVID-19 onset; 47 individuals reported dyspnea, chest pain, or palpitations. Median age was 52 years (range 24-86) and 41% were women. Female sex (OR 2.55, 95%CI 1.13-5.74) and hospitalization during acute infection (OR 3.25, 95%CI 1.08-9.82) were associated with symptoms. IgG antibody to SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (OR 1.38 per doubling, 95%CI 1.38-1.84) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR 1.31 per doubling, 95%CI 1.00-1.71) were associated with symptoms. Regarding echocardiographic findings, 4/47 (9%) with symptoms had pericardial effusions compared to 0/55 without symptoms (p=0.038); those with pericardial effusions had a median 4 symptoms compared to 1 without (p<0.001). There was no strong evidence for a relationship between symptoms and echocardiographic functional parameters (including left ventricular ejection fraction and strain, right ventricular strain, pulmonary artery pressure) or high-sensitivity troponin, NT-pro-BNP, interleukin-10, interferon-gamma, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha. CONCLUSIONS Among adults in the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibodies, markers of inflammation and, possibly, pericardial effusions are associated with cardiopulmonary symptoms. Investigation into inflammation as a mechanism underlying PASC is warranted.

Author(s):  
Anna Chuda ◽  
Maciej Banach ◽  
Marek Maciejewski ◽  
Agata Bielecka-Dabrowa

AbstractHeart failure (HF) is the only cardiovascular disease with an ever increasing incidence. HF, through reduced functional capacity, frequent exacerbations of disease, and repeated hospitalizations, results in poorer quality of life, decreased work productivity, and significantly increased costs of the public health system. The main challenge in the treatment of HF is the availability of reliable prognostic models that would allow patients and doctors to develop realistic expectations about the prognosis and to choose the appropriate therapy and monitoring method. At this moment, there is a lack of universal parameters or scales on the basis of which we could easily capture the moment of deterioration of HF patients’ condition. Hence, it is crucial to identify such factors which at the same time will be widely available, cheap, and easy to use. We can find many studies showing different predictors of unfavorable outcome in HF patients: thorough assessment with echocardiography imaging, exercise testing (e.g., 6-min walk test, cardiopulmonary exercise testing), and biomarkers (e.g., N-terminal pro-brain type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity troponin T, galectin-3, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein). Some of them are very promising, but more research is needed to create a specific panel on the basis of which we will be able to assess HF patients. At this moment despite identification of many markers of adverse outcomes, clinical decision-making in HF is still predominantly based on a few basic parameters, such as the presence of HF symptoms (NYHA class), left ventricular ejection fraction, and QRS complex duration and morphology.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
Mohammad Jakir Hossain ◽  
Khondoker Asaduzzaman ◽  
Solaiman Hossain ◽  
Muhammad Badrul Alam ◽  
Nur Hossain

Background: In the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, cardiac troponin I is highly reliable and widely available biomarker. Serum level of cardiac troponin I is related to amount of myocardial damage and also closely relates to infarct size. Our aim of the study is to find out the relationship between cardiac troponin I and left ventricular systolic function after acute coronary syndrome. Methods: Total of 132 acute coronary syndrome patients were included in this study after admission in coronary care unit of Sir Salimullah Medical College, Mitford Hospital. Troponin I level was measured at admission and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by echocardiography between 12-48 hours of onset of chest pain. Results: There was negative correlation between Troponin I at 12 to 48 hours of chest pain with LVEF in these study patients. With a cutoff value of troponin I e”6.8 ng/ml in STEMI patients there is a significant negative relation between 12 to 48 hrs troponin I and LVEF (p<0.001). Sensitivity of troponin I e” 6.8 ng/ml between 12 to 48 hours of chest pain in predicting LVEF <50% in STEMI was 93.75% and specificity was 77.78%. In NSTEMI sensitivity of troponin I e” 4.5 ng/ml between 12 to 48 hours of chest pain in predicting LVEF <50% was 65% and specificity was 54.05%. Conclusion: Serum troponin I level had a strong negative correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction after acute coronary syndrome and hence can be used to predict the LVEF in this setting. Cardiovasc. j. 2019; 12(1): 24-29


Author(s):  
Julia Hoffmann ◽  
Michael Behnes ◽  
Uzair Ansari ◽  
Kathrin Weidner ◽  
Philip Kuche ◽  
...  

Background This study evaluates the associations between high-sensitivity troponin I and T (hs-TnI/hs-TnT) and the stages of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)/diastolic dysfunction. Methods Blood samples for biomarker measurements (hs-TnI/hs-TnT/NT-proBNP) were collected within 24 h of routine echocardiographic examination. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, right ventricular dysfunction and moderate-to-severe valvular heart disease were excluded. Graduation of diastolic dysfunction was determined according to current guidelines. Results A total of 70 patients were included. Hs-TnT concentrations increased significantly according to the progression of diastolic dysfunction ( P = 0.024). Hs-TnT was able to discriminate patients with diastolic dysfunction grade III (AUC = 0.737; P = 0.013), while NT-proBNP revealed a greater AUC (AUC 0.798; P = 0.002). Concentrations of hs-TnI increased only numerically according to the increasing stages of diastolic dysfunction ( P = 0.353). In multivariable logistic regression models, hs-TnT concentrations > 28 ng/L were associated with diastolic dysfunction grade III (OR = 4.7, P = 0.024), even after adjusting for NT-proBNP. Conclusion Increasing concentrations of hs-TnT may reflect the stages of diastolic dysfunction being assessed by echocardiography, whereas hs-TnI does not show any association with diastolic dysfunction.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Guastafierro ◽  
S Hosseini ◽  
P S Heiniger ◽  
S Anwer ◽  
N Kuzo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is frequently associated with mutations in genes coding for desmosomal proteins. In this study, we investigated the association of genetic status with ARVC progression as defined by echocardiographic parameters. Methods We tested 62 ARVC patients for their genetic profile. Accordingly, they were grouped in mutation positive (48 (77%) patients; median age 48.5 years; 33 (69%) males), and mutation negative (14 (23%) patients; median age 45 years; 10 (71%) males). Prevalent mutations were Desmoglein-2 (DSG2) in 16 (26%), Desmoplakin (DSP) in 14 (23%), and Plakophilin-2 (PKP2) in 9 (15%) patients. Results At baseline, there were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. Patients were followed-up for a median time period of 1420 days, and there was no significant difference in the duration of follow-up between the two groups (p=0.05). In the mutation positive group, there was a significant increase in right ventricular end-diastolic area (p=0.002), right atrial short (p=0.008) and long (p=0.002) diameter, left atrial diameter (p=0.014), and a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.014) during follow up. Right ventricular functial parameters did not change significantly (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: p=0.24; fractional area change: p=0.088). In the mutation negative group, none of the aforementioned echocardiographic findings exhibited any significant difference during follow-up: right ventricular end-diastolic area (p=0.1); right atrial short (p=0.7) and long (p=0.9) diameter, left atrial diameter (p=0.6), and left ventricular ejection fraction (p=0.3). Similarly, right ventricular functional parameters did not change significantly (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion: p=0.77; fractional area change: p=0.80. Results are summarized in the figure. Change in echocardiographic findings. Conclusions There is a strong association between echocardiographic progression of ARVC phenotype and the presence of a pathogenic mutation. Such mutations should be searched in all patients with an ARVC phenotype, and mutation positive individuals should be followed-up in shorter intervals.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikhil Sahdev ◽  
Onyedikachi Oji ◽  
Aswin Babu ◽  
Smita Dutta Roy

Abstract Background  Takotsubo syndrome (TS) is defined as transient left ventricular dysfunction, which is often related to an emotional or physically stressful event. We describe a case of TS in a lady with pyruvate carboxylase deficiency (PCD). Pyruvate carboxylase deficiency is rare condition with the majority of those affected demonstrating signs of failure to thrive, recurrent seizures, and metabolic acidosis. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of TS in an individual with PCD. Case summary  This 28-year-old female presented to the emergency department after a tonic-clonic seizure. For 4 days prior to the presentation, she had been suffering from cough and pyrexia. On Day 2, she developed abdominal pain associated with tachycardia and hypotension, and an elevated troponin (791 ng/L). The echocardiogram showed a severely impaired left ventricular systolic function, regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs), and a visually estimated left ventricular ejection fraction of 25–30%. Eight days following admission her clinical state significantly improved, with a reduction troponin to 60 ng/L. A repeat echocardiogram on Day 9 showed complete resolution of cardiac function with no RWMAs. Following this, she was discharged from hospital the next day with a diagnosis of TS. Discussion  This is the first case report of TS in a patient with PCD. In this case, multiple aetiologies of TS such as emotional and physical stress, seizures, and acute infection were considered. This case also highlights that TS should be an important differential diagnosis in patients presenting with cardiac symptoms.


Author(s):  
Philipp Breitbart ◽  
Alexander Koch ◽  
Marco Schmidt ◽  
Annett Magedanz ◽  
Edelgard Lindhoff-Last ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives We assessed possible myocardial involvement in previously cardiac healthy post-COVID patients referred for persisting symptoms with suspected myocarditis. Background Prior studies suggested myocardial inflammation in patients with coronavirus-induced disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the prevalence of cardiac involvement among COVID patients varied between 1.4 and 78%. Methods A total of 56 post-COVID patients without previous heart diseases were included consecutively into this study. All patients had positive antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2. Patients were referred for persistent symptoms such as chest pain/discomfort, shortness of breath, or intolerance to activity. All patients underwent standardized cardiac assessment including electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac biomarkers, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Results 56 Patients (46 ± 12 years, 54% females) presented 71 ± 66 days after their COVID-19 disease. In most patients, the course of COVID-19 was mild, with hospital treatment being necessary in five (9%). At presentation, patients most often reported persistent fatigue (75%), chest pain (71%), and shortness of breath (66%). Acute myocarditis was confirmed by T1/T2-weighed CMR and elevated NTpro-BNP levels in a single patient (2%). Left ventricular ejection fraction was 56% in this patient. Additional eight patients (14%) showed suspicious CMR findings, including myocardial edema without fibrosis (n = 3), or non-ischemic myocardial injury suggesting previous inflammation (n = 5). However, myocarditis could ultimately not be confirmed according to 2018 Lake Louise criteria; ECG, echo and lab findings were inconspicuous in all eight patients. Conclusions Among 56 post-COVID patients with persistent thoracic complaints final diagnosis of myocarditis could be confirmed in a single patient using CMR. Graphic abstract


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 984.2-985
Author(s):  
A. B. Rodriguez-Romero ◽  
J. R. Azpiri-López ◽  
I. J. Colunga-Pedraza ◽  
D. Á. Galarza-Delgado ◽  
S. Lugo-Perez ◽  
...  

Background:Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic and autoimmune disease characterized by systemic involvement. Patients with SLE have accelerated atherosclerosis, resulting in an up to nine-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease, compared to the general population (1), being the leading cause of death for these patients. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is an accurate technique to estimate myocardial function and deformation.Objectives:This study aims to determine the association between echocardiographic findings and the presence of antibodies in SLE patients.Methods:This was a cross-sectional and observational study. A total of forty-three patients ≥18 years with a diagnosis of SLE according to EULAR/ACR 2019 criteria were included for this study. Those with a history of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, or peripheral arterial disease) and pregnancy were excluded. Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed and reviewed by 2 board-certified cardiologists, in all study subjects. Blood samples obtained from all patients were analyzed for the following: anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti, SSA/Ro, SSB/La antibodies, anti-cardiolipin antibodies (IgA, IgM, IgG), and complement levels. Distribution was evaluated with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Correlations between numerical variables were done using Spearman’s rho, considering two-tailed p-values <0.05 as statistically significant.Results:The 39 female patients (90.7%) and 4 male patients (9.3%) had a mean age of 35.5 ± 12.0 years and a median disease duration of 72 months (14-132). At the time of inclusion, 90.7% of the patients were being treated with glucocorticoids and antimalarials. Concerning traditional cardiovascular risk factors; 20.9% of the patients had hypertension, 7.0% had dyslipidemia, 2.3% had diabetes mellitus and 18.6% were active smokers. Correlations between echocardiographic findings and antibodies are shown in Table 1. We found a moderate positive correlation between global circumferential strain and IgA anticardiolipin antibody (r=0.507, p=0.002), a low positive correlation in left ventricular ejection fraction with anti-Ro (r=0.397, p=0.012) and anti-La (r=0.397, p=0.012) and a low positive correlation between TAPSE and C3 levels (r=0.396, p=0.013).Conclusion:There is an association between anticardiolipin antibody titers, anti-Ro, and anti-La with echocardiographic alterations. All SLE patients especially those who had positive antibodies should be screened for the presence of structural cardiac abnormalities. STE can be helpful as a noninvasive diagnostic tool, that could result in earlier treatment and prognosis.References:[1]Hesselvig JH, Ahlehoff O, Dreyer L, et al. Cutaneous lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus are associated with clinically significant cardiovascular risk: a Danish nationwide cohort study. Lupus 2017;26(1):48-53. doi: 10.1177/0961203316651739Table 1.Spearman rho correlations between antibody titers and echocardiographic findings.VariablesGLS,mean ± SD-19.11 ± 3.33LVEF,mean ± SD57.43 ± 7.17TAPSE,mean ± SD22.23 ± 3.24ANA, median (p25-p75)640 (160-2550)NSNSNSIgA Anti-Cardiolipin, median (p25-p75)2 (2-3)0.507**NSNSIgM Anti-Cardiolipin, median (p25-p75)2 (2-4)NSNSNSIgG Anti-Cardiolipin, median (p25-p75)4 (3-6)NSNSNSAnti-Ro, median (p25-p75)17 (2-80)NS0.326*NSAnti-La, median (p25-p75)3 (2-5.5)NS0.397*NSC3, mean ± SD91.41 ± 37.38NSNS0.396***Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). *Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level. NS, not significant; GLS, global circumferential strain; LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction; TAPSE, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion.Disclosure of Interests:None declared


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