Myocarditis in Athletes: Risk Factors and Relationship with Strenuous Exercise.

Amidst the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, myocarditis in athletes has demanded increased attention primarily because of the risk of sudden cardiac death. While most athletes who experience myocardial inflammation recover, extensive measures for screening and diagnosis are taken because of the possibility of cardiac necrosis, fibrosis, and remodeling. Several risk factors have been identified that may contribute to the development of this inflammatory response, predominantly a history of viral or bacterial upper-respiratory infections. Recent research suggests new risks specific to athletes remain in question, such as the intensity and longevity of sustained exercise, vaccination status, and genetic and epidemiologic factors. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging are commonly utilized for the diagnosis of myocarditis; however, reference standards are lacking because of the variety of clinical presentations. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and presentation of myocarditis in athletes. We then review the available literature to provide a deeper insight into the diagnostic testing methods available, with the aim of outlining the efficacy and prognostic value. Next, we discuss an algorithmic approach to patient care and treatment based upon hemodynamic stability, symptoms, and findings on testing. Finally, this article reviews the current return to play guidelines and the rationale for revisions to return-to-play protocols.

Sports: An underutilized tool for patients with disabilities.

Sport activities promote health and well-being in this population, which is disproportionately affected by obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and social isolation.

Stimulant Therapy Utilization for Neurocognitive Deficits in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

CONTEXT: There are 3.8 million mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) that occur each year in the United States. Many are left with prolonged life-altering neurocognitive deficits, including difficulties in attention, concentration, mental fatigue, and distractibility. With extensive data on the safety and efficacy of stimulant medications in treating attention deficit, concentration difficulties and distractibility seen with attention deficit disorder, it is not surprising that interest continues regarding the application of stimulant medications for the persistent neurocognitive deficits in some mTBIs. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Studies were extracted from PubMed based on the topics of neurocognitive impairment, mTBI, stimulant use in mTBI, stimulants, and the association between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and mTBI. The search criteria included a date range of 1999 to 2020 in the English language. STUDY DESIGN: Literature review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. RESULTS: Currently, there is very limited literature, and no guidelines for evaluating the use of stimulant medication for the treatment of prolonged neurocognitive impairments due to mTBI. However, a limited number of studies have demonstrated efficacy and safety of stimulants in the treatment of neurocognitive sequelae of mTBI in the adult, pediatric, military, and athletic populations. CONCLUSION: There is limited evidence to suggest stimulant medication may be beneficial in patients with mTBI with persistent neurocognitive symtpoms. The decision to utilize stimulant medication for mTBI patients remains physician and patient preference dependent. Given the limited encouraging data currently available, physicians may consider stimulant medication in appropriate patients to facilitate the recovery of prolonged neurocognitive deficits, while remaining cognizant of potential adverse effects.