Clinical Report: Long-term Evaluation of Cardiac Involvement in PASC-CVS
Overview
This study evaluates myocardial involvement in patients with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection with cardiovascular involvement (PASC-CVS) using multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Significant improvements in cardiac function were observed at one-year follow-up, although certain CMR parameters showed limited clinical significance.
Background
Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) can lead to persistent cardiovascular symptoms, known as PASC-CVS, affecting a significant proportion of COVID-19 survivors. Understanding the long-term cardiac implications of PASC-CVS is crucial for managing these patients and preventing further complications. Multiparametric CMR has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing myocardial function and structure in this context.
Data Highlights
Parameter
Odds Ratio (OR)
Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE) (%)
6.36
Global Extracellular Volume (ECV) (ms)
1.33
Heart Rate (bpm)
1.08
Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain (LV GLS) (%)
1.44
Global Native T1 (ms)
1.01
Key Findings
PASC-CVS patients showed significant differences in multiparametric CMR parameters compared to controls.
Combined multiparametric CMR parameters achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94, indicating excellent predictive value.
At one-year follow-up, PASC scores significantly decreased from 14.1 to 5.4 (P < 0.001).
Right ventricular ejection fraction improved from 52.1% to 59.5% (P < 0.001).
No patients showed recovery in Quantification of LGE, indicating limited clinical significance of its changes.
Clinical Implications
The findings highlight the importance of multiparametric CMR in monitoring cardiac involvement in PASC-CVS patients. Clinicians should consider regular CMR assessments to evaluate myocardial function and guide management strategies for these patients.
Conclusion
This study underscores the utility of multiparametric CMR in assessing and monitoring cardiac involvement in PASC-CVS, revealing both improvements and persistent challenges in patient recovery.