An Echocardiographic Insight Into Post-COVID-19 Symptoms
Rui Flores1, Olga Pires2, Joana Alves3
1Cardiology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, PRT.
Cureus
|May 25, 2023
Summary
Six months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, echocardiography revealed no significant long-term cardiac impact. This study assessed cardiovascular sequelae in patients recovering from COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is known for acute cardiovascular complications.
- Long-term cardiac sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe echocardiographic findings in patients six months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To evaluate the long-term cardiovascular impact of COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, single-center study involving 88 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Transthoracic echocardiogram performed six months post-infection, including tissue Doppler and ventricular strain analysis.
- Patients stratified into subgroups based on ICU admission status.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in echocardiographic parameters were observed between subgroups.
- Key parameters included left ventricular ejection fraction (60.8 ± 5.9%) and longitudinal strain (17.9 ± 3.6%).
- Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and right ventricular longitudinal strain were also assessed.
Conclusions:
- Past SARS-CoV-2 infection did not demonstrate a significant impact on cardiac function at six months, as assessed by echocardiography.
- Further research may explore potential subtle or delayed cardiac effects.
Keywords:
covid 19heart failurepulmonary and cardiac pathophysiologyright heart failuretako-tsubo cardiomyopathy (ttc)More Related Videos
08:37Echocardiographic Assessment Using Subxiphoid-Only Examination for Hypotensive Patients
Published on: April 18, 2025
371
11:50High-frequency High-resolution Echocardiography: First Evidence on Non-invasive Repeated Measure of Myocardial Strain, Contractility, and Mitral Regurgitation in the Ischemia-reperfused Murine Heart
Published on: July 9, 2010
24.2K
Related Concept Videos
01:17Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
388
Cardiac imaging studies encompass a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques designed to visualize the heart's structure and function in detail. One such technique is echocardiography, which uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce detailed images of the heart, known as echocardiograms.
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
388
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
36
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
36
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
38
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
38
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
12
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
12
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
12
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
12
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
308
Echocardiography plays a role in assessing cardiac health and detecting heart conditions, with various types providing critical insights for diagnosis and treatment.
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...
308