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Journal of Primary Care & Community... 2021COVID-19 was initially considered to be a respiratory illness, but current findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is increasingly expressed in cardiac myocytes as well....
BACKGROUND
COVID-19 was initially considered to be a respiratory illness, but current findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is increasingly expressed in cardiac myocytes as well. COVID-19 may lead to cardiovascular injuries, resulting in myocarditis, with inflammation of the heart muscle.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review collates current evidence about demographics, symptomatology, diagnostic, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infected patients with myocarditis.
METHODS
In accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Central, Web of Science and Google Scholar until August, 2021. A combination of the following keywords was used: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, myocarditis. Cohorts and case reports that comprised of patients with confirmed myocarditis due to COVID-19 infection, aged >18 years were included. The findings were tabulated and subsequently synthesized.
RESULTS
In total, 54 case reports and 5 cohorts were identified comprising 215 patients. Hypertension (51.7%), diabetes mellitus type 2 (46.4%), cardiac comorbidities (14.6%) were the 3 most reported comorbidities. Majority of the patients presented with cough (61.9%), fever (60.4%), shortness of breath (53.2%), and chest pain (43.9%). Inflammatory markers were raised in 97.8% patients, whereas cardiac markers were elevated in 94.8% of the included patients. On noting radiographic findings, cardiomegaly (32.5%) was the most common finding. Electrocardiography testing obtained ST segment elevation among 44.8% patients and T wave inversion in 7.3% of the sample. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging yielded 83.3% patients with myocardial edema, with late gadolinium enhancement in 63.9% patients. In hospital management consisted of azithromycin (25.5%), methylprednisolone/steroids (8.5%), and other standard care treatments for COVID-19. The most common in-hospital complication included acute respiratory distress syndrome (66.4%) and cardiogenic shock (14%). On last follow up, 64.7% of the patients survived, whereas 31.8% patients did not survive, and 3.5% were in the critical care unit.
CONCLUSION
It is essential to demarcate COVID-19 infection and myocarditis presentations due to the heightened risk of death among patients contracting both myocardial inflammation and ARDS. With a multitude of diagnostic and treatment options available for COVID-19 and myocarditis, patients that are under high risk of suspicion for COVID-19 induced myocarditis must be appropriately diagnosed and treated to curb co-infections.
Topics: COVID-19; Contrast Media; Gadolinium; Humans; Myocarditis; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34854348
DOI: 10.1177/21501327211056800 -
Cureus Jul 2023Novel cancer therapies have revolutionized the management of various cancers. An immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) is one of these antitumor medications. ICIs, which are... (Review)
Review
Novel cancer therapies have revolutionized the management of various cancers. An immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) is one of these antitumor medications. ICIs, which are immune therapies, enhance the immune system's capacity to fight cancer cells. Based on the receptors that they inhibit, such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, ICIs are subdivided. Although this class of drugs is extremely beneficial for cancer patients, their adverse effects can be fatal. Multiple organs, such as the cardiovascular system, may be impacted by immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). These cardiotoxic irAEs can occur at a rate of up to 1% and can be fatal. Myocarditis is the most prevalent of all cardiotoxicities. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the seriousness of myocarditis, the most prevalent cardiotoxicity of ICIs, and the importance of screening. We chose studies based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 criteria. Therefore, from 2018 to 2023, we gathered articles from databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Of the 665 studies identified based on various screening methods and quality assessment tools, 13 were selected for inclusion in the study. This study shows that although the risk of myocarditis in ICI therapy is low and the majority of cases are asymptomatic or mild, some cases can be deadly and disastrous, and physicians should be aware that if myocarditis is suspected based on clinical symptoms, troponin, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram, treatment should be initiated accordingly.
PubMed: 37602125
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42071 -
Journal For Immunotherapy of Cancer Jan 2024Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment has become an important therapeutic option for various cancer types. Although the treatment is effective, ICI can...
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment has become an important therapeutic option for various cancer types. Although the treatment is effective, ICI can overstimulate the patient's immune system, leading to potentially severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including hepatitis, colitis, pneumonitis and myocarditis. The initial mainstay of treatments includes the administration of corticosteroids. There is little evidence how to treat steroid-resistant (sr) irAEs. It is mainly based on small case series or single case reports. This systematic review summarizes available evidence about sr-irAEs. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed. Additionally, we included European Society for Medical Oncology, Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer, National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology Guidelines for irAEs in our assessment. The study population of all selected publications had to include patients with cancer who developed hepatitis, colitis, pneumonitis or myocarditis during or after an immunotherapy treatment and for whom corticosteroid therapy was not sufficient. Our literature search was not restricted to any specific cancer diagnosis. Case reports were also included. There is limited data regarding life-threatening sr-irAEs of colon/liver/lung/heart and the majority of publications are single case reports. Most publications investigated sr colitis (n=26), followed by hepatitis (n=21), pneumonitis (n=17) and myocarditis (n=15). There is most data for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to treat sr hepatitis and for infliximab, followed by vedolizumab, to treat sr colitis. Regarding sr pneumonitis there is most data for MMF and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) while data regarding infliximab are conflicting. In sr myocarditis, most evidence is available for the use of abatacept or anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) (both with or without MMF) or ruxolitinib with abatacept. This review highlights the need for prompt recognition and treatment of sr hepatitis, colitis, pneumonitis and myocarditis. Guideline recommendations for sr situations are not defined precisely. Based on our search, we recommend-as first line treatment-(1) MMF for sr hepatitis, (2) infliximab for sr colitis, followed by vedolizumab, (3) MMF and IVIG for sr pneumonitis and (4) abatacept or ATG (both with or without MMF) or ruxolitinib with abatacept for sr myocarditis. These additional immunosuppressive agents should be initiated promptly if there is no sufficient response to corticosteroids within 3 days.
Topics: Humans; Abatacept; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Colitis; Hepatitis; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; Infliximab; Mycophenolic Acid; Myocarditis; Neoplasms; Nitriles; Pneumonia; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines
PubMed: 38233099
DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007409 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Apr 2022A clear temporal relationship between myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination has led to the belief that the vaccine may act as a trigger for these... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
A clear temporal relationship between myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination has led to the belief that the vaccine may act as a trigger for these cardiologic complications. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the incidence, clinical presentation, management, and association between them.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search on Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE as per guidelines of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews). A total of 41 case reports and case series describing 97 patients, and 5 original articles describing 15,585,309 participants were selected as part of this review.
RESULTS
Of the 97 reported cases describing vaccine-associated myocarditis/pericarditis, 67 (69%) patients received Pfizer-BioNTech and 25 (25.7%) received Moderna. The mean onset of symptoms after vaccine administration was 3.8 ± 4.5 days with three-quarters developing symptoms after the second dose. Chest pain (n = 88, 90%) and fever (n = 33, 34%) were the most common presenting complaints. Out of 97, 80 (82.5%) patients recovered while 4 (4.1%) patients expired. The pooled incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis extrapolated from original studies is 0.001% and 0.0004%, respectively. In the original studies, nearly all the cases of myocarditis and pericarditis were mild. Chest pain and fever were the most common presenting symptoms.
CONCLUSION
Myocarditis and pericarditis after the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported more in young adult males and are most likely to occur after the second dose of mRNA vaccines. The presentation is mild and the majority of the patients recover either completely or partially.
PubMed: 35291413
DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103486 -
International Journal of Cardiology Apr 2023Myocarditis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are rare conditions, but may coexist. Myocarditis in IBD may be infective, immune-mediated, or due to mesalamine...
BACKGROUND
Myocarditis and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are rare conditions, but may coexist. Myocarditis in IBD may be infective, immune-mediated, or due to mesalamine toxicity. A gap of knowledge exists on the clinical features of patients that present myocarditis in association with IBD, especially for endomyocardial biopsy-proven cases. Our aims are: 1) to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with an associated diagnosis of myocarditis and IBD in a single-center hospital, 2) to perform a systematic review of the literature of analogous cases.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed data of patients followed up at the outpatient Cardio-immunology and Gastroenterology Clinic of Padua University Hospital, to identify those with an associated diagnosis of myocarditis and IBD. In addition, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. We performed a qualitative analysis of the overall study population.
RESULTS
The study included 104 patients (21 from our single center cohort, 83 from the literature review). Myocarditis in IBD more frequently affects young (median age 31 years) males (72%), predominantly with infarct-like presentation (58%), within an acute phase of the IBD (67%) and with an overall benign clinical course (87%). Nevertheless, a not negligible quote of patients may present giant cell myocarditis, deserve immunosuppression and have a chronic, or even fatal course. Histological evidence of mesalamine hypersensitivity is scarce and its incidence may be overestimated.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study shows that myocarditis in association with IBD, if correctly managed, may have a spontaneous benign course, but predictors of worse prognosis must be promptly recognized.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Myocarditis; Mesalamine; Retrospective Studies; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Prognosis
PubMed: 36738845
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.01.071 -
Brain and Behavior Aug 2021Among many of the autoimmune diseases observed in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), myocarditis is one of the most critical. The goal of this review is to... (Review)
Review
Among many of the autoimmune diseases observed in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), myocarditis is one of the most critical. The goal of this review is to systematically describe and investigate the characteristics of MG complicated with myocarditis. We identified 183 records in PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and EMBASE from 1948 to September 10, 2020. Studies were included if they presented clinical data on MG complicated with myocarditis. Of the 35 patients from 28 studies in this review, 57.14% (20/35) were males, with a mean age of 59.11 ± 15.87. Dyspnea was the most common cardiac symptom accounting for over 60% in the study. Among the 35 patients, 13 cases of myocarditis occurred concomitantly with MG and the longest interval between MG and myocarditis was 7 years. Forty percent of patients developed myocarditis caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Among the patients with myocarditis, over half of the patients were diagnosed by myocardial biopsy. After active immune regulation and symptomatic treatment, only 15 of 35 patients with MG complicated with myocarditis improved, 18 patients died during hospitalization, one patient died due to tumor progression and 1patient died 5 years later. The prognosis of patients with MG complicated with myocarditis is poor, and myocardial enzymes and other indexes need to be monitored for patients taking ICI drugs. Patients with dyspnea who are still not ideally treated by mechanical ventilation should be vigilant against the occurrence of MG complicated with myocarditis.
Topics: Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Male; Myasthenia Gravis; Myocarditis
PubMed: 34105901
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2242 -
Heart, Lung & Circulation Jun 2022Reports of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine-related myocarditis, particularly after mRNA vaccines, have raised concerns amongst the general public. This review... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Reports of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine-related myocarditis, particularly after mRNA vaccines, have raised concerns amongst the general public. This review examined the literature regarding myocarditis post COVID-19 vaccination, drawing from vaccine safety surveillance databases and case reports.
METHODS
Combinations of search terms were used in PubMed and COVID-19-specific repositories - LitCovid and the Cochrane COVID-19 Study Register - between 1 October 2020 and 31 October 2021. Manual searches of GoogleScholar and screening of article bibliographies were also performed.
RESULTS
Information was obtained from five vaccine safety surveillance databases. Fifty-two (52) case reports totalling 200 cases of possible COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis were summarised. Vaccine surveillance databases differed in reporting formats and vaccination rates; however, gross estimates suggested low overall incidence rates of 2-5 per million mRNA vaccines. The incidence appeared to be higher in younger male populations, with onset of symptoms within a few days, usually after the second dose. Some with prior COVID-19 infections had onset after the first dose. Cases with prior unrelated myocarditis were also noted. Almost all presented with chest pain (98.0%). Troponin elevation was universally described and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was commonly reported based on the updated Lake Louise criteria. Clinical course was mild in the majority, with response to anti-inflammatory treatment.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis is an important but rare adverse event. More research is needed into its pathogenesis and reasons for its predominance in young males, while gaps in data exist in those aged <16 years, as well as those with prior COVID-19 infections and prior myocarditis.
Topics: BNT162 Vaccine; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Humans; Male; Myocarditis; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination; mRNA Vaccines
PubMed: 35227610
DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2022.02.002 -
Cureus Nov 2021Myocarditis is being increasingly reported as a potential complication of both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for COVID-19. One thousand five hundred and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Myocarditis is being increasingly reported as a potential complication of both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for COVID-19. One thousand five hundred and twenty-two cases were reported as of September 02, 2021, as per CDC's (Centers for Disease Control) vaccine adverse event reporting system. Most of the published data is available in the form of case reports and series. There is a need to compile the demographic data, clinical features, and outcomes in these patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and google scholar for published literature between January 01, 2020, and July 17, 2021. Individual data of 69 patients were pooled from 25 qualifying case reports and case series.
RESULTS
The median age of onset was 21 years. 92.7% of the patients were male. 76.8% of patients received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and 23.2% received the Moderna vaccine. 88.5% developed symptoms after the second dose. Patients were admitted to the hospital a median of three days post-vaccination. All the patients had chest pain and elevated troponin. The myocarditis was confirmed on cardiac MRI in 87% of the patients. Most of the patients had late gadolinium enhancement on MRI. The median length of stay was four days. All the reported patients recovered and were discharged.
CONCLUSION
Post-mRNA vaccination myocarditis is seen predominantly in young males within a few days after their second dose of vaccination. The pathophysiology of myocarditis is not well known. The prognosis is good as all the reported patients recovered. The presence of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI indicated myocardial necrosis/fibrosis and further studies are needed to establish the long-term prognosis of the condition.
PubMed: 34877217
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19240 -
Viruses Sep 2022Dengue fever, chikungunya, and zika are highly prevalent arboviruses transmitted by hematophagous arthropods, with a widely neglected impact in developing countries.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Dengue fever, chikungunya, and zika are highly prevalent arboviruses transmitted by hematophagous arthropods, with a widely neglected impact in developing countries. These diseases cause acute illness in diverse populations, as well as potential cardiovascular complications. A systematic review was carried out to investigate the burden of cardiac involvement related to these arboviruses. Multiple databases were searched for articles that investigated the association of cardiovascular diseases with arboviruses, published up to March 2022. Relevant articles were selected and rated by two independent reviewers. Proportion meta-analysis was applied to assess the frequency-weighted mean of the cardiovascular findings. A total of 42 articles were selected ( = 76,678 individuals), with 17 manuscripts on dengue and 6 manuscripts on chikungunya undergoing meta-analysis. The global pooled incidence of cardiac events in dengue fever using a meta-analysis was 27.21% (95% CI 20.21-34.83; = 94%). The higher incidence of dengue-related myocarditis was found in the population younger than 20 years old (33.85%; 95% CI 0.00-89.20; = 99%). Considering the studies on chikungunya ( = 372), the global pooled incidence of cardiac involvement using a meta-analysis was 32.81% (95% CI 09.58-61.49, = 96%). Two Zika studies were included that examined cases of infection by vertical transmission in Brazil, finding everything from structural changes to changes in heart rate variability that increase the risk of sudden death. In conclusion, cardiac involvement in arboviruses is not uncommon, especially in dengue fever.
Topics: Adult; Arboviruses; Chikungunya Fever; Chikungunya virus; Dengue; Heart Diseases; Humans; Young Adult; Zika Virus; Zika Virus Infection
PubMed: 36146794
DOI: 10.3390/v14091988 -
American Journal of Preventive Medicine Feb 2023There have been reports of potential negative cardiovascular effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, such as myocarditis or pericarditis. This study sought to ascertain the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
There have been reports of potential negative cardiovascular effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, such as myocarditis or pericarditis. This study sought to ascertain the risk of myocarditis/pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination by conducting an extensive meta-analysis of published cases.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted in 7 online databases by March 31, 2022. Heterogeneity was tested by I index. RR and 95% CI were pooled through either random-effect or fixed-effect models. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were also conducted.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies with 58,620,611 subjects were included. COVID-19 vaccination correlated with an increased risk of myocarditis or pericarditis (RR=2.04; 95% CI=1.33, 3.14). In addition, an increased risk of myocarditis or pericarditis in people who received the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared with that in those who received only the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine was also found (RR=4.06; 95% CI=2.08, 7.92). An increased incidence of pericarditis or myocarditis was noted predominantly in those who received BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines (RR=2.19; 95% CI=1.46, 3.29 and RR=4.15; 95% CI=1.87, 9.22, respectively).
DISCUSSION
Study results indicate that a higher incidence of myocarditis or pericarditis was found after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, the risk of developing myocarditis or pericarditis was greater after the second dose than after the first dose. Nevertheless, the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis in COVID-19 vaccine recipients are still significantly lower than the health risks observed in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, the benefits and harms must be carefully assessed to determine the best management option for patients who are in the high-risk group of myocarditis or pericarditis.
Topics: Humans; BNT162 Vaccine; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Pericarditis; Vaccination; Myocarditis; 2019-nCoV Vaccine mRNA-1273
PubMed: 36266115
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.09.002