COVID-19-associated myocardial infarction
For COVID-19 natural history, complications and prognosis, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Haddadi, M.D.[2]
Synonyms and keywords: Novel coronavirus, covid-19, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Wuhan coronavirus, Myocardial infarction, MI, Coronary Artery Disease, ACS
Overview
- COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular comorbidities have higher mortality.
- Acute Myocardial Infarction is defined as an acute myocardial injury with clinical evidence of acute myocardial ischemia plus rise and/or fall of cardiac troponin values with at least one value above the 99th percentile upper reference limit and at least one of the following:
- Symptoms of myocardial ischemia.
- New ischemic ECG changes.
- Development of pathological Q waves.
- Imaging evidence of new loss of viable myocardium or new regional wall motion abnormality in a pattern consistent with an ischemic etiology.
- Identification of a coronary thrombus by angiography or autopsy (not for type 2 or 3 MI).[1]
- In a case series with 187 patients who had confirmed COVID-19, 27.8% of patients had a myocardial injury, which caused cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias. The result was significantly higher mortality among patients with myocardial injury.
- It seems to be advisable to triage patients with COVID-19 based on their underlying CVD for a more aggressive treatment plan.
- The mortality during hospitalization was shown to be 7.62% for patients without underlying CVD and normal TnT levels, 13.33% for those with underlying CVD and normal TnT levels, 37.50% for those without underlying CVD but elevated TnT levels, and 69.44% for those with underlying CVD and elevated TnTs.[2]
Classification
Myocardial infarction may be classified according to two subtypes:
- Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (non-STEMI)
- ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI)
A US model from 9 major centers showed a 38% drop in total STEMI activations during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a 40% reduction noted in Spain as well. there was also a delay between the first presentation to a medical encounter up to 318 min. This is important since COVID-19 can potentially be a cause of STEMI through microthrombi, cytokine storm, coronary spasm, or direct endothelial injury.[3]
- Potential etiologies for the reduction in STEMI PPCI activations:
- avoidance of medical care due to social distancing or concerns of contracting COVID-19 in the hospital
- STEMI misdiagnosis
- increased use of pharmacological reperfusion due to COVID-19
It is very important to realize if patients' anxiety is the reason behind decreasing the presentation of STEMI to U.S. hospitals.[4]
- Treatment of STEMI & COVID-19: The specific protocols for the treatment have been evolving. Early recommendations showed intravenous thrombolysis as first-line therapy for STEMI patients with confirmed COVID-19 since most hospitals do not have protected cardiac catheterization labs.[3]
Pathophysiology
The mechanism of COVID-19 cardiovascular injury has not been fully understood and is likely multifactorial.
- SARS-CoV-2 virus attaches to ACE 2 protein for ligand binding before entering the cell via receptor-mediated endocytosis.
- Based on single-cell RNA sequencing more than 7.5% of myocardial cells have positive ACE2 expression. This protein can mediate the entry of SARS-CoV-2 and result in direct cardiotoxicity.
- The cytokine release caused by the virus may lead to vascular inflammation, plaque instability, myocardial inflammation, a hypercoagulable state, or direct myocardial suppression.
Pathological changes:
- In the level of cardiac tissue: minimal change to interstitial inflammatory infiltration and myocyte necrosis
- In the level of vasculature: micro-thrombosis and vascular inflammation[5]
Causes
According to the Fourth Universal Definition of MI, there are two clinical classifications of the disease based on the causes:
- Type 1: MI caused by acute atherothrombotic CAD precipitated by atherosclerotic plaque disruption (rupture or erosion).
- Type 2: MI due to a mismatch between oxygen demand and supply
Most of the MIs associated with COVID-19 are type 2 indicating the causes to be the primary infection, hemodynamic disturbance, or respiratory deterioration.[1] [6]
Differentiating Myocardial infarction from other Diseases
Differentiating ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction from other Diseases
Differentiating Unstable Angina/Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction from other Disorders
Epidemiology and Demographics
- Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and Cardiovascular disease seem to be more prevalent in both the USA and China. [5]
The incidence/prevalence of [disease name] is approximately [number range] per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
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In [year], the incidence/prevalence of [disease name] was estimated to be [number range] cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide.
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In [year], the incidence of [disease name] is approximately [number range] per 100,000 individuals with a case-fatality rate of [number range]%.
Patients of all age groups may develop [disease name].
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The incidence of [disease name] increases with age; the median age at diagnosis is [#] years.
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[Disease name] commonly affects individuals younger than/older than [number of years] years of age.
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[Chronic disease name] is usually first diagnosed among [age group].
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[Acute disease name] commonly affects [age group].
There is no racial predilection to [disease name].
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[Disease name] usually affects individuals of the [race 1] race. [Race 2] individuals are less likely to develop [disease name].
[Disease name] affects men and women equally.
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[Gender 1] are more commonly affected by [disease name] than [gender 2]. The [gender 1] to [gender 2] ratio is approximately [number > 1] to 1.
The majority of [disease name] cases are reported in [geographical region].
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[Disease name] is a common/rare disease that tends to affect [patient population 1] and [patient population 2].
Risk Factors
There are no established risk factors for [disease name].
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The most potent risk factor in the development of [disease name] is [risk factor 1]. Other risk factors include [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
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Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] include [risk factor 1], [risk factor 2], [risk factor 3], and [risk factor 4].
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Common risk factors in the development of [disease name] may be occupational, environmental, genetic, and viral.
Screening
There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for [disease/malignancy].
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According to the [guideline name], screening for [disease name] is not recommended.
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According to the [guideline name], screening for [disease name] by [test 1] is recommended every [duration] among patients with [condition 1], [condition 2], and [condition 3].
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
If left untreated, [#]% of patients with [disease name] may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
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Common complications of [disease name] include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
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Prognosis is generally excellent/good/poor, and the 1/5/10-year mortality/survival rate of patients with [disease name] is approximately [#]%.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
The diagnosis of [disease name] is made when at least [number] of the following [number] diagnostic criteria are met: [criterion 1], [criterion 2], [criterion 3], and [criterion 4].
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The diagnosis of [disease name] is based on the [criteria name] criteria, which include [criterion 1], [criterion 2], and [criterion 3].
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The diagnosis of [disease name] is based on the [definition name] definition, which includes [criterion 1], [criterion 2], and [criterion 3].
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There are no established criteria for the diagnosis of [disease name].
History and Symptoms
The majority of patients with [disease name] are asymptomatic.
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The hallmark of [disease name] is [finding]. A positive history of [finding 1] and [finding 2] is suggestive of [disease name]. The most common symptoms of [disease name] include [symptom 1], [symptom 2], and [symptom 3]. Common symptoms of [disease] include [symptom 1], [symptom 2], and [symptom 3]. Less common symptoms of [disease name] include [symptom 1], [symptom 2], and [symptom 3].
Physical Examination
Patients with [disease name] usually appear [general appearance]. Physical examination of patients with [disease name] is usually remarkable for [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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Common physical examination findings of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is diagnostic of [disease name].
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The presence of [finding(s)] on physical examination is highly suggestive of [disease name].
Laboratory Findings
An elevated/reduced concentration of serum/blood/urinary/CSF/other [lab test] is diagnostic of [disease name].
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Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of [disease name] include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].
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[Test] is usually normal among patients with [disease name].
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Some patients with [disease name] may have elevated/reduced concentration of [test], which is usually suggestive of [progression/complication].
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There are no diagnostic laboratory findings associated with [disease name].
Electrocardiogram
There are no ECG findings associated with [disease name].
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An ECG may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an ECG suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
X-ray
There are no x-ray findings associated with [disease name].
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An x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an x-ray suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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There are no x-ray findings associated with [disease name]. However, an x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
Echocardiography or Ultrasound
There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with [disease name].
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Echocardiography/ultrasound may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an echocardiography/ultrasound suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with [disease name]. However, an echocardiography/ultrasound may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
CT scan
There are no CT scan findings associated with [disease name].
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[Location] CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on CT scan suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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There are no CT scan findings associated with [disease name]. However, a CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
MRI
There are no MRI findings associated with [disease name].
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[Location] MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on MRI suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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There are no MRI findings associated with [disease name]. However, a MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
Other Imaging Findings
There are no other imaging findings associated with [disease name].
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[Imaging modality] may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an [imaging modality] suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
Other Diagnostic Studies
There are no other diagnostic studies associated with [disease name].
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[Diagnostic study] may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
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Other diagnostic studies for [disease name] include [diagnostic study 1], which demonstrates [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3], and [diagnostic study 2], which demonstrates [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
Treatment
Medical Therapy
There is no treatment for [disease name]; the mainstay of therapy is supportive care.
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Supportive therapy for [disease name] includes [therapy 1], [therapy 2], and [therapy 3].
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The majority of cases of [disease name] are self-limited and require only supportive care.
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[Disease name] is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
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The mainstay of treatment for [disease name] is [therapy].
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The optimal therapy for [malignancy name] depends on the stage at diagnosis.
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[Therapy] is recommended among all patients who develop [disease name].
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Pharmacologic medical therapy is recommended among patients with [disease subclass 1], [disease subclass 2], and [disease subclass 3].
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Pharmacologic medical therapies for [disease name] include (either) [therapy 1], [therapy 2], and/or [therapy 3].
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Empiric therapy for [disease name] depends on [disease factor 1] and [disease factor 2].
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Patients with [disease subclass 1] are treated with [therapy 1], whereas patients with [disease subclass 2] are treated with [therapy 2].
Surgery
Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of [disease name].
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Surgery is not the first-line treatment option for patients with [disease name]. Surgery is usually reserved for patients with either [indication 1], [indication 2], and [indication 3]
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The mainstay of treatment for [disease name] is medical therapy. Surgery is usually reserved for patients with either [indication 1], [indication 2], and/or [indication 3].
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The feasibility of surgery depends on the stage of [malignancy] at diagnosis.
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Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for [disease or malignancy].
Primary Prevention
There are no established measures for the primary prevention of [disease name].
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There are no available vaccines against [disease name].
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Effective measures for the primary prevention of [disease name] include [measure1], [measure2], and [measure3].
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[Vaccine name] vaccine is recommended for [patient population] to prevent [disease name]. Other primary prevention strategies include [strategy 1], [strategy 2], and [strategy 3].
Secondary Prevention
There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of [disease name].
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Effective measures for the secondary prevention of [disease name] include [strategy 1], [strategy 2], and [strategy 3].
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Thygesen K, Alpert JS, Jaffe AS, Chaitman BR, Bax JJ, Morrow DA; et al. (2018). "Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (2018)". J Am Coll Cardiol. 72 (18): 2231–2264. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2018.08.1038. PMID 30153967.
- ↑ Guo T, Fan Y, Chen M, Wu X, Zhang L, He T; et al. (2020). "Cardiovascular Implications of Fatal Outcomes of Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)". JAMA Cardiol. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2020.1017. PMC 7101506 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32219356 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ullah W, Sattar Y, Saeed R, Ahmad A, Boigon MI, Haas DC; et al. (2020). "As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, where have all the STEMIs gone?". Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc. 29: 100550. doi:10.1016/j.ijcha.2020.100550. PMC 7261452 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32550258 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Garcia S, Albaghdadi MS, Meraj PM, Schmidt C, Garberich R, Jaffer FA; et al. (2020). "Reduction in ST-Segment Elevation Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Activations in the United States During COVID-19 Pandemic". J Am Coll Cardiol. 75 (22): 2871–2872. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2020.04.011. PMC 7151384 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32283124 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ 5.0 5.1 Kang Y, Chen T, Mui D, Ferrari V, Jagasia D, Scherrer-Crosbie M; et al. (2020). "Cardiovascular manifestations and treatment considerations in covid-19". Heart. doi:10.1136/heartjnl-2020-317056. PMC 7211105 Check
|pmc=value (help). PMID 32354800 Check|pmid=value (help). - ↑ Template:Cite website