Combined Heart Injuries on the Data of Contrast-Enhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Post-Covid Syndrome

Kardiologiia. 2023 Dec 26;63(12):46-53. doi: 10.18087/cardio.2023.12.n2268.
[Article in Russian, English]

Abstract

Aim Prospective assessment of the nature of cardiac injury in patients with post-COVID syndrome according to contrast-enhanced MRI in routine clinical practice.Material and methods 106 previously unvaccinated patients were evaluated. 62 (58.5%) of them were women with complaints that persisted after COVID-19 (median age, 57.5 [49; 64] years). In addition to standard indexes, markers of inflammation and myocardial injury were determined, and cardiac contrast-enhanced MRI was performed in each patient.Results The median time from the onset of COVID-19 to cardiac MRI was 112.5 [75; 151] days. The nature of cardiac injury according to MRI in patients with post-COVID syndrome was complex and included a decrease in left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular ejection fraction, pericardial effusion, and pathological foci of late and early contrast enhancement at various locations. In 29 (27.4%) cases, there was a combination of any two signs of heart injury. In 28 (26.4%) patients with focal myocardial injury during the acute phase of COVID-19, hydroxychloroquine and tocilizumab were administered significantly more frequently, but antiviral drugs were administered less frequently. The presence of focal myocardial injury was associated with pathological LV remodeling.Conclusion According to contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI, at least 27.4% of patients with post-COVID syndrome may have signs of cardiac injury in various combinations, and in 26.4% of cases, foci of myocardial injury accompanied by LV remodeling are detected. The nature of heart injury after COVID-19 depends on the premorbid background, characteristics of the course of the infectious process, and the type of prescribed therapy. An algorithm for evaluating patients with post-COVID syndrome is proposed.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Female
  • Heart Injuries*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Stroke Volume
  • Ventricular Function, Left
  • Ventricular Function, Right