Detection of the incidence and types of arrhythmia and conduction block in COVID - 19 patients Detection and description of CMR patterns of myocardial injury in COVID-19 patients with arrhythmias.
COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization and is
responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide.
Early reports from China suggested an overall cardiac arrhythmia incidence of 17% in patients
hospitalized for COVID-19. A higher arrhythmia rate (44%) was observed in patients with
COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). However, details of the type and burden
of arrhythmias in this population have not been elucidated.
Myocardial injury is common in patients with COVID-19, accounting for 7%-23% of reported
cases in Wuhan, China. Among COVID-related myocardial injury, etiologies vary and can include
myocarditis, myocardial infarction, sepsis-related myocardial injury, and/or stress induced
cardiomyopathy. Myocardial injury is associated with high risk of developing all types of
arrhythmia including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular
tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and variable degrees of heart block. Sudden cardiac
death was also reported.
The pathophysiology of COVID-19-related myocarditis is a combination of direct viral injury
and cardiac damage due to the host's immune response. Although the pathophysiology of
arrhythmias is still speculative, clinicians should provide prompt monitoring and treatment.
The long term impact of COVID-19 myocarditis remains unknown
Meanwhile, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging is an integral test in the diagnosis of
myocardial injury. It can safely be used as a first-line diagnostic tool in the workup of
myocardial injury associated with COVID-19.
Investigators believe that proper diagnosis and management of COVID 19 related arrhythmias
and their etiology can lead to both in-hospital and long term reduction of morbidity and
mortality of this dangerous presentation of the disease.
Diagnostic Test: Cardiac Magnetic resonance imaging
The following basic sequences will be conducted:
Cine imaging using SSFP sequence for cardiac structure and function.
Tissue characterization imaging, T1 and T2.
Myocardial perfusion imaging.
Late gadolinium enhancement.
Diagnosis of myocarditis will be based on the modified Lake Louise criteria:
T2-weighted: any of the following standard T2 sequences: regional high signal standard T2 sequences: global signal intensity ratio (myocardium/skeletal muscle) ≥2 T2 mapping: increased T2 relaxation times T1-weighted: any of the following late enhancement imaging: non-ischemic (subepicardial or mid myocardial) late enhancement native T1 mapping: increased T1 relaxation times or extracellular volume supportive criteria: signs of pericarditis: effusion or pericardial late enhancement regional or global wall motion abnormalities[5]
Inclusion Criteria:
1. COVID 19 suspected patients presented by chest pain, dyspnea, chest discomfort &/or
palpitations
2. ECG changes (LBBB, PVCs, ventricular tachycardia, AF, atrial flutter, ST-T changes,
and conduction defects).
3. Increased inflammatory markers and / or Tropnin-I.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. COVID 19 patients without ECG changes.
2. Patients known to have the same pattern of arrhythmia or conduction system defects
before Covid-19 infection.
3. Patients contraindicated for CMR.
Ahmed AR Hassaan, bachelor
+201068115040
ahmed.hassaan1994@yahoo.com
Doaa A Fouad, Doctorate
+201001085828
fouaddoaa@yahoo.com