Serial Changes in Troponin I in COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Myocarditis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines is crucial for public health.
• Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines represent a novel approach to immunization.
• Understanding potential adverse events, such as myocarditis, is essential.

Observation:

• A 63-year-old woman experienced atypical chest pain following her third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose.
• Cardiac troponin levels indicated a pattern consistent with myocarditis.
• The patient's clinical presentation and laboratory values suggested a transient cardiac event.

Findings:

• Myocarditis diagnosis was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
• Serial troponin measurements showed a typical myocarditis curve with rapid normalization.
• Follow-up imaging demonstrated complete resolution of myocardial inflammation.

Implications:

• This case highlights a potential, albeit rare, adverse reaction to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
• Prompt diagnosis and management are key to favorable outcomes in vaccine-associated myocarditis.
• Continued surveillance and research are necessary to fully characterize vaccine safety profiles.