Myocarditis: Differences in Clinical Expression between Patients with ST-Segment Elevation in Electrocardiogram vs....

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Myocarditis can present with electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns mimicking ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI.
• The clinical significance of ST-segment elevation (STE) in myocarditis, particularly regarding myocardial damage and severity, remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ST-segment elevation (STE) patterns on ECG and myocardial damage in patients with myocarditis.
• To compare clinical, laboratory, and instrumental findings between myocarditis patients with and without STE patterns.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 38 hospitalized myocarditis patients.
• Patients classified into two groups: ST-segment elevation (STE) (n=25) and non-STE (n=13).
• Analysis of epidemiological, laboratory (CRP, Troponin I), and echocardiographic (LVEF, LV strain) data.

Main Results:

• The STE group exhibited significantly higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (103.40 vs. 43.54 mg/L).
• The non-STE group showed a higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (56.58% vs. 49.71%).
• Lower LVEF correlated with higher Troponin I (TnI) and CRP levels; lower LV strain correlated with higher TnI.

Conclusions:

• ST-segment elevation (STE) in myocarditis is associated with elevated CRP and reduced LVEF, suggesting more significant myocardial injury.
• Higher TnI and CRP levels correlate with worse left ventricular function.
• Myocarditis demonstrates a favorable prognosis based on 6-month echocardiographic follow-up.