Catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in individuals with substance use disorders: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Impulsivity and substance use disorders (SUD) have been both associated with changes in dopaminergic processes. In this study, we intended to evaluate the dopaminergic function in imprisoned SUD offenders through the determination of s-COMT activity. METHODS: The study included 46 male individuals from a Portuguese penal institution. The participants were assessed through a battery of standardised instruments: Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), Barratt Impulsivity Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), and the European version of the Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI). In addition, s-COMT erythrocyte activity was evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 73.9% (n = 34) of the individuals had Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and 58.7% (n = 27) presented SUD. We evidenced, for the first time, that, in individuals with SUD, s-COMT activity was correlated with the severity of drug dependence (EuropASI) (p = 0.009), and with BIS-11 factors self-control (p < 0.0001) and non-planning (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: This study opens new perspectives regarding the pharmacological intervention on substance dependence through the interference on dopamine pathways.

COVID-19 Myopericarditis in a Young Healthy Male.

SARS-CoV-2 infection can present in different clinical forms, most commonly as bilateral pneumonia, but also with pericardial/myocardial involvement. Cardiac involvement in COVID-19 is associated with worse outcomes. The authors report a case of myopericarditis as the primary manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a 20-year-old male patient with no known cardiovascular (CV) disorders or risk factors. The patient presented with pleuritic chest pain and high fever, with no respiratory symptoms. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram changes were consistent with pericarditis; concomitant elevation of cardiac enzymes revealed myocardial involvement. The patient had a slow but favourable evolution with no apparent impact on cardiac function. Other causes of myopericarditis were excluded and SARS-CoV-2 admitted as the most likely aetiological agent. This case highlights possible cardiac involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection with little or no pulmonary disease in a young healthy patient. Such systemic and potentially troublesome manifestations of COVID-19 are increasingly being described. LEARNING POINTS: Acute myopericarditis is a possible manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.SARS-CoV-2 cardiac involvement may occur both in older and in younger previously healthy subjects, and could be more frequent than expected.Further investigation should address the prevalence of myocardium and pericardium involvement in COVID-19 patients, as well as its complications, sequelae and prognostic value for both older and young patients.