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Cardiovascular Pathology : the Official... May 2024The epidemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a significant global impact, especially on immunosuppressed populations...
The epidemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a significant global impact, especially on immunosuppressed populations such as heart transplant recipients. While SARS-CoV-2 initially infects the respiratory system, cardiovascular complications induced by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) include cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, heart failure, myocarditis, arrhythmia, acute myocyte injury, thrombotic events, and cardiogenic shock. Here, we present a case of a 45-year-old African American male who tested positive for COVID-19 infection six months after receiving a heart transplant. The patient was asymptomatic initially, but two weeks later he developed dyspnea, early satiety, and abdominal bloating. The patient was admitted to the hospital for acute renal failure and subsequently diagnosed with moderate acute T cell-mediated allograft rejection (Grade 2R) by endomyocardial biopsy. Three months after testing positive for COVID-19, the patient suffered a sudden cardiac death. At autopsy, the epicardium was diffusely edematous and showed vascular congestion. The coronary arteries showed a striking concentric narrowing of lumens and diffusely thickened arterial walls of all major extramural arteries deemed consistent with a rapidly progressive form of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein was localized by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in endothelial cells of venules and capillaries within the epicardium. Our localization of SARS-CoV-2 in coronary vessel endothelial cells by IHC suggests that endothelial cell infection, endotheliitis, and immune-related inflammation may be a primary mechanism of vascular injury. The present case represents an early onset rapidly progressive form of CAV. This case may be the first case of post-transplant arteriopathy occurring in such a short time that includes corresponding autopsy, surgical pathology, and IHC data.
PubMed: 38801983
DOI: 10.1016/j.carpath.2024.107661 -
Cureus Apr 2024is an uncommon parasitic disease contracted through the consumption of undercooked pork. We report the case of a 59-year-old man with a history of bicuspid aortic valve...
is an uncommon parasitic disease contracted through the consumption of undercooked pork. We report the case of a 59-year-old man with a history of bicuspid aortic valve with recent travel to the Philippines and consumption of raw pork presenting with progressive myalgia and hypereosinophilia (nadir 12,940/uL) in profound cardiogenic shock in the setting of critical aortic stenosis. He underwent emergent balloon valvuloplasty, which was complicated by aortic insufficiency. This necessitated a transcatheter aortic valve replacement. However, despite hemodynamic stabilization, he developed catastrophic eosinophilic myocarditis, complicated by cardiac arrest from ventricular tachycardia. A rectus femoris muscle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, showing a parasite and significant eosinophilic infiltration. Empiric treatment with albendazole, ivermectin, and methylprednisolone resulted in the significant resolution of symptoms and the liberalization of critical illness. This case highlights the challenges of diagnosing the underlying etiologies of hypereosinophilia and/or eosinophilic myocarditis, underscoring the importance of considering parasitic etiologies, particularly in endemic regions or in patients who have a significant travel history to such areas. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent morbidity and mortality.
PubMed: 38800259
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58946 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024The risk of cardiovascular outcomes in the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been quantified among adults and children. This paper aimed to assess a multitude...
BACKGROUND
The risk of cardiovascular outcomes in the post-acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been quantified among adults and children. This paper aimed to assess a multitude of cardiac signs, symptoms, and conditions, as well as focused on patients with and without congenital heart defects (CHDs), to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the post-acute cardiovascular outcomes among children and adolescents after COVID-19.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study used data from the RECOVER consortium comprising 19 US children's hospitals and health institutions between March 2020 and September 2023. Every participant had at least a six-month follow-up after cohort entry. Absolute risks of incident post-acute COVID-19 sequelae were reported. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated by contrasting COVID-19-positive with COVID-19-negative groups using a Poisson regression model, adjusting for demographic, clinical, and healthcare utilization factors through propensity scoring stratification.
RESULTS
A total of 1,213,322 individuals under 21 years old (mean[SD] age, 7.75[6.11] years; 623,806 male [51.4%]) were included. The absolute rate of any post-acute cardiovascular outcome in this study was 2.32% in COVID-19 positive and 1.38% in negative groups. Patients with CHD post-SARS-CoV-2 infection showed increased risks of any cardiovascular outcome (RR, 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.47-1.80), including increased risks of 11 of 18 post-acute sequelae in hypertension, arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias), myocarditis, other cardiac disorders (heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac arrest), thrombotic disorders (thrombophlebitis and thromboembolism), and cardiovascular-related symptoms (chest pain and palpitations). Those without CHDs also experienced heightened cardiovascular risks after SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.57-1.69), covering 14 of 18 conditions in hypertension, arrhythmias (ventricular arrhythmias and premature atrial or ventricular contractions), inflammatory heart disease (pericarditis and myocarditis), other cardiac disorders (heart failure, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrest, and cardiogenic shock), thrombotic disorders (pulmonary embolism and thromboembolism), and cardiovascular-related symptoms (chest pain, palpitations, and syncope).
CONCLUSIONS
Both children with and without CHDs showed increased risks for a variety of cardiovascular outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection, underscoring the need for targeted monitoring and management in the post-acute phase.
PubMed: 38798448
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.24307380 -
Viruses Apr 2024Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a positive single-strand RNA genome virus which belongs to the enterovirus genus in the picornavirus family, like poliovirus. It is one of...
Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is a positive single-strand RNA genome virus which belongs to the enterovirus genus in the picornavirus family, like poliovirus. It is one of the most prevalent pathogens that cause myocarditis and pancreatitis in humans. However, a suitable therapeutic medication and vaccination have yet to be discovered. Caboxamycin, a benzoxazole antibiotic isolated from the culture broth of the marine strain sp., SC0774, showed an antiviral effect in CVB3-infected HeLa cells and a CVB3-induced myocarditis mouse model. Caboxamycin substantially decreased CVB3 VP1 production and cleavage of translation factor eIF4G1 from CVB3 infection. Virus-positive and -negative strand RNA was dramatically reduced by caboxamycin treatment. In addition, the cleavage of the pro-apoptotic molecules BAD, BAX, and caspase3 was significantly inhibited by caboxamycin treatment. In animal experiments, the survival rate of mice was improved following caboxamycin treatment. Moreover, caboxamycin treatment significantly decreased myocardial damage and inflammatory cell infiltration. Our study showed that caboxamycin dramatically suppressed cardiac inflammation and mouse death. This result suggests that caboxamycin may be suitable as a potential antiviral drug for CVB3.
Topics: Animals; Myocarditis; Mice; Disease Models, Animal; Coxsackievirus Infections; Humans; Enterovirus B, Human; HeLa Cells; Antiviral Agents; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Inflammation; Virus Replication
PubMed: 38793559
DOI: 10.3390/v16050677 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2024We present the case of a 51-year-old male with known congestive heart failure and acute myocarditis who presented to the emergency department (ED) with swollen testicles...
We present the case of a 51-year-old male with known congestive heart failure and acute myocarditis who presented to the emergency department (ED) with swollen testicles and urinary symptoms two weeks after the initiation of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor treatment. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan was consistent with the diagnosis of Fournier's gangrene (FG). Intravenous antibiotics were administered and surgical exploratory intervention and excision of necrotic tissue were performed, stopping the evolution of necrotizing fasciitis. FG, a reported adverse event, may rarely occur when SGLT2 inhibitors are administered in patients with diabetes. To our knowledge, there have been no reported cases of FG in Romania since SLGT2 inhibitors were approved. The distinguishing feature of this case is that the patient was not diabetic, which emphasizes that patients without diabetes who are treated for heart failure with SGLT2 inhibitors may also be at risk of developing genitourinary infections. The association of predisposing factors may have contributed to the development of FG in this case and even though the benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors outweigh the risks, serious adverse events need to be voluntarily reported in order to intervene promptly, verify the relationship, and minimize the risk of bias.
Topics: Humans; Fournier Gangrene; Male; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Middle Aged; Heart Failure; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38793020
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050837 -
Biomedicines May 2024Transient left ventricular dysfunction (TLVD), a temporary condition marked by reversible impairment of ventricular function, remains an underdiagnosed yet significant... (Review)
Review
Transient left ventricular dysfunction (TLVD), a temporary condition marked by reversible impairment of ventricular function, remains an underdiagnosed yet significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in clinical practice. Unlike the well-explored atherosclerotic disease of the epicardial coronary arteries, the diverse etiologies of TLVD require greater attention for proper diagnosis and management. The spectrum of disorders associated with TLVD includes stress-induced cardiomyopathy, central nervous system injuries, histaminergic syndromes, various inflammatory diseases, pregnancy-related conditions, and genetically determined syndromes. Furthermore, myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) origins such as coronary artery spasm, coronary thromboembolism, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) may also manifest as TLVD, eventually showing recovery. This review highlights the range of ischemic and non-ischemic clinical situations that lead to TLVD, gathering conditions like Tako-Tsubo Syndrome (TTS), Kounis syndrome (KS), Myocarditis, Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), and Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC). Differentiation amongst these causes is crucial, as they involve distinct clinical, instrumental, and genetic predictors that bode different outcomes and recovery potential for left ventricular function. The purpose of this review is to improve everyday clinical approaches to treating these diseases by providing an extensive survey of conditions linked with TLVD and the elements impacting prognosis and outcomes.
PubMed: 38791012
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051051 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Enteroviruses (EVs) are the most common causes of viral myocarditis in neonates. Neonatal enterovirus myocarditis manifestations range from nonspecific febrile illness...
Enteroviruses (EVs) are the most common causes of viral myocarditis in neonates. Neonatal enterovirus myocarditis manifestations range from nonspecific febrile illness to congestive heart failure and cardiogenic shock with high risk of in-hospital mortality and long-term cardiac sequelae. Early recognition is essential to undertake appropriate therapy and predict outcomes. Echocardiography and echo-derived left ventricular strain measures seem promising for these purposes. We herein report two cases of neonatal enterovirus-associated myocarditis in dichorionic diamniotic twins, with different presentation, clinical course, and intensity of treatments.
PubMed: 38790501
DOI: 10.3390/children11050506 -
The Egyptian Heart Journal : (EHJ) :... May 2024Myocarditis is a significant health threat today, with infectious agents being the most common cause. Accurate diagnosis of the etiology of infectious myocarditis is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Myocarditis is a significant health threat today, with infectious agents being the most common cause. Accurate diagnosis of the etiology of infectious myocarditis is crucial for effective treatment.
MAIN BODY
Infectious myocarditis can be caused by viruses, prokaryotes, parasites, and fungi. Viral infections are typically the primary cause. However, some rare opportunistic pathogens can also damage heart muscle cells in patients with immunodeficiencies, neoplasms and those who have undergone heart surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
This article reviews research on common and rare pathogens of infectious myocarditis, emphasizing the complexity of its etiology, with the aim of helping clinicians make an accurate diagnosis of infectious myocarditis.
PubMed: 38789885
DOI: 10.1186/s43044-024-00493-3 -
Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024The impact of peripheral cytokine levels on the prognosis and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) myocarditis has not been well studied.
INTRODUCTION
The impact of peripheral cytokine levels on the prognosis and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) myocarditis has not been well studied.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to identify cytokines that can prognosticate and direct the treatment of ICI myocarditis.
METHODS
This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients with ICI myocarditis who had available peripheral cytokine levels between January 2011 and May 2022. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were defined as a composite of heart failure with/without cardiogenic shock, arterial thrombosis, life-threatening arrhythmias, pulmonary embolism, and sudden cardiac death.
RESULTS
In total, 65 patients with ICI myocarditis had cytokine data available. Patients were mostly males (70%), with a mean age of 67.8 ± 12.7 years. Interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were the most common cytokines to be elevated with 48/65 (74%) of patients having a peak IL-6 above normal limits (>5 pg/mL) and 44/65 (68%) of patients with peak TNF-α above normal limits (>22 pg/mL). Patients with elevated peak IL-6 had similar 90-day mortality and MACE outcomes compared to those without (10.4% vs. 11.8%, = 0.878 and 8.8% vs. 17.7%, = 0.366, respectively). Similarly, those with elevated peak TNF-α had similar 90-day mortality and MACEs compared to those without (29.6% vs. 14.3%, = 0.182 and 13.6% vs. 4.8%, = 0.413, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis also showed that there was not a significant difference between MACE-free survival when comparing elevated and normal IL-6 and TNF-α levels ( = 0.182 and = 0.118, respectively). MACEs and overall survival outcomes were similar between those who received infliximab and those who did not among all patients and those with elevated TNF-α (-value 0.70 and 0.83, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Peripheral blood levels of IL-6 and TNF-α are the most commonly elevated cytokines in patients with ICI myocarditis. However, their role in the prognostication and guidance of immunomodulatory treatment is currently limited.
PubMed: 38785743
DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050088 -
SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2024The objective of this case report is to discuss a case of septicemia caused by following cervical cerclage. The study described a case of a 42-year-old female patient...
The objective of this case report is to discuss a case of septicemia caused by following cervical cerclage. The study described a case of a 42-year-old female patient who visited the Ante-natal Clinic for a follow-up appointment during the 8th week of gestation. The patient had previously undergone successful in vitro fertilization treatment following 16 years of primary infertility. A routine ultrasound scan revealed cervical dilatation of 2-3 cm. The patient was advised to undergo cervical cerclage insertion. Two days after the surgery, she presented with pneumonia and also experienced vaginal bleeding, necessitating the removal of the cervical cerclage. Unfortunately, the patient suffered a stillbirth. Her condition deteriorated the following day, leading to septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction. After receiving the treatment, the patient was discharged; 2 days after being discharged the patient's blood culture and sensitivity results indicated a significant growth of and a diagnosis of toxic myocarditis. Following 2 months of intensive treatment, the patient showed significant improvement; however, there was the presence of some mild renal impairment and he was ultimately discharged home. Maternal sepsis poses a significant risk to the health and lives of pregnant women. stands out as a primary causative agent after cervical cerclage.
PubMed: 38784241
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241254990