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Cardiovascular Complications and Imaging in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic 2020 to Present
Gina LaRocca1, David J Skorton2
1Mount Sinai / Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the cardiovascular system, increasing mortality. Cardiovascular imaging, including echocardiography and cardiac MRI, proved crucial for diagnosing and managing these cardiac complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented global health challenges.
- The novel coronavirus significantly impacts respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
- Cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias and heart failure, were prevalent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the cardiovascular implications of COVID-19.
- To emphasize the role of cardiovascular biomarkers and imaging in patient management.
- To discuss the diagnostic and prognostic value of echocardiography and cardiac MRI.
Main Methods:
- Review of cardiovascular biomarkers and their association with COVID-19.
- Analysis of transthoracic echocardiography findings, including LV longitudinal strain (LVLS) and RV free wall strain (RVFWS).
- Evaluation of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging for myocardial injury assessment.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 is linked to diverse cardiovascular insults like hypoxia, inflammation, and perfusion abnormalities.
- Elevated LVLS and RVFWS indicate increased morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
- Cardiac MRI is a key tool for diagnosing myocardial injury and tissue characterization.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular complications are a major concern in COVID-19 patients.
- Echocardiography and Cardiac MRI are essential for comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation.
- Proactive cardiovascular assessment is vital for improving outcomes in the pandemic era.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world that was not previously conceivable. In early 2020, hospitals on all continents were overwhelmed with patients afflicted with this novel virus, with unanticipated mortality worldwide. The virus has had a deleterious effect, particularly the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Cardiovascular biomarkers demonstrated an array of cardiovascular insults from hypoxia to inflammatory and perfusion abnormalities of the myocardium to life-threatening arrhythmias and heart failure. Patients were at increased risk of a pro-thrombotic state early in the course of the disease. Cardiovascular imaging became a primary tool in diagnosing, prognosing and risk-stratifying patients. Transthoracic echocardiography became the initial imaging modality in management of cardiovascular implications. In addition to cardiac function, LV longitudinal strain (LVLS) and right ventricular free wall strain (RVFWS) were indicators of increased morbidly and mortality. Cardiac MRI has become the diagnostic cardiovascular imaging for myocardial injury and tissue evaluation in the age of COVID-19.
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