Reversible mixed cardiomyopathy in a patient recovered from severe COVID-19: a case report

We present reversible cardiomyopathy in a patient recovered from severe COVID-19. In addition to heart failure, the patient had thrombosis of abdominal aorta, lower extremity arteries and kidney infarction. At admission, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 18%. Primary diagnosis was SARSCoV2-induced myocarditis. However, cardiac MRI with delayed gadolinium enhancement revealed no fibrosis or active myocarditis. Troponin was normal. Atrial fibrillation persisted. Arrhythmia was first verified a week before COVID-19. Previously effective treatment failed to support adequate heart rate after COVID-19. Angiography revealed subtotal stenosis of the left anterior descending artery. After strict rate control and percutaneous coronary intervention, the patient was discharged on optimal medical therapy. Six months later, LVEF was 45%. Pulmonary vein isolation and cardioversion were performed. One week later, LVEF was 60%. In our opinion, this was a mixed cardiomyopathy with predominant role of AF and myocardial ischemia. Probably, COVID-19 modulated natural course of cardiovascular pathology. We also discuss potential contribution of COVID-19 to the course of cardiovascular pathology in long-term period of disease. © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

["Guiding lights" for the diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in the flow of patients with pulmonary embolism].

On December 13, 2021, an expert council was held to determine the position of experts of different specialties regarding the reasons for the low level of diagnosis of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in real clinical practice in a pandemic of a new coronavirus infection and possible ways to improve detection in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) ) in history. The reasons for the low level of diagnosis of CTEPH are the insufficient level of knowledge of specialists, especially primary care physicians; lack of clear regulatory documents and expert centers for the management of this category of patients. Primary diagnosis of CTEPH in a pandemic can be strengthened through the widespread use of telemedicine for consultations of primary care physicians with specialists from expert centers; to maximize the role of echocardiography and computed tomography (CT) as differential diagnostic tools for dyspnea, in particular in patients with COVID-19. To increase the detection rate of CTEPH, diagnostic vigilance is required in patients with risk factors and episodes of venous thromboembolism. To improve the screening of CTEPH, it is necessary to create an algorithm for monitoring patients who have had PE; provide educational activities, including through the media; create materials for patients with accessible information. The regulatory documents should designate the circle of responsible specialists who will be engaged in long-term monitoring of patients with PE. Educational programs are needed for primary care physicians, cardiologists, and other physicians who come into the field of view of patients with CTEPH; introduction of a program to create expert centers for monitoring and managing patients with the possibility of performing ventilation-perfusion lung scintigraphy, cardiopulmonary stress test, CT, right heart catheterization. It seems important to build cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Russia in order to create special protocols, procedures for managing patients with PE and CTEPH.

Arrhythmogenic and Ischemic Cardiopathy Mimics Covid-19 Myocarditis

A 63-year-old man with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and severe COVID-19 3 months earlier presented with NYHA class III-IV heart failure (HF) and intermittent claudication. Three months before, patient noted increasing dyspnea. SARS-CoV2 was verified. CT scan showed pneumonia;the severity of disease required dexamethasone and tocilizumab. Atrial fibrillation (AF) and LV EF 30% were first detected. CT scan disclosed left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombosis. Despite anticoagulants, 3 weeks later the patient developed lower limbs ischemia. Ultrasound and CT scan showed multiple thrombosis in the abdominal aorta and lower limbs arteries (Figure A). Surgery for limb ischemia was not performed due to a further decrease of LV EF to 18%. At that point, diagnosis was SARSCoV2-induced myocarditis. He visited our hospital for second opinion. ECG showed AF with mean heart rate (HR) of 158/min (B). Careful history collection suggested a longer AF duration which was missed and untreated due to lockdown. CRP, troponin were normal. NT-proBNP was 9326 pg/ml. After strict rate control was achieved, LV EF became 23%. Cardiac MRI with delayed gadolinium contrast revealed no fibrosis or active myocarditis (C). Angiography showed stenosis >70% of the left anterior descending artery (D). After PCI, LV EF became 27%. The patient was discharged on guideline-recommended optimal medical therapy. Three months later LV EF became 30%, six months later - 47%. Thrombus in LAA was dissolved. Pulmonary vein isolation and cardioversion were performed. One week later LV EF was 60%. Currently, the patient has stable sinus rhythm and no signs of HF for > 6 months. Thus, COVID-19 could contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, modify the substrate and aggravate the severity of AF, but it was not the only cause of a serious illness in the patient. COVID-19 also had an indirect negative impact - delay the detection of cardiac pathology and cause its underdiagnosis under the guise of "post-COVID". (Figure Presented).

[Use of Statins, Anticoagulants, Antiaggregants and Antiarrhythmic Drugs in Patients With COVID-19. The Agreed Experts' Position of Russian Society of Cardiology, Eurasian Association of Therapists, National Society on Atherothrombosis, Societies of Experts in Urgent Cardiology, Eurasian Arrhythmology Association].

This article discusses relevant aspects in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Up-to-date information about principles for administration of statins, antithrombotics, and antiarrhythmics is presented. The authors addressed in detail specific features of reversing heart rhythm disorders in patients with coronavirus infection and the interaction of antiarrhythmic and antiviral drugs. Recommendations are provided for outpatient and inpatient antithrombotic therapy for patients with COVID-19. Issues of antithrombotic and antiviral drug interaction are discussed.