Echocardiographic findings in critically Ill patients with COVID-19 treated with and without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Objectives: There is a paucity of data on echocardiographic findings in patients with COVID-19 supported with Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VV ECMO). This study aimed to compare baseline echocardiographic characteristics of mechanically ventilated patients for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19 infection with and without VV ECMO support and to describe the incidence of new echocardiographic abnormalities in these patients. Method(s): Single-center, retrospective cohort study of patients admitted from March 2020 to June 2021 with COVID-19 infection, that required mechanical ventilation, and had an available echocardiogram within 72 hours of admission. Follow-up echocardiograms during ICU stay were reviewed. Result(s): A total of 242 patients were included in the study. One-hundred and forty-five (60%) patients were supported with VV ECMO. Median (IQR) PaO2/ FiO2 was 76 (65-95) and 98 (85-140) in the VV ECMO and non-ECMO patients, respectively (P = < 0.001). On the admission echocardiograms, the prevalence of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (10% vs 15%, P= 0.31) and right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction (38% vs. 27%, P = 0.27) was not significantly different in the ECMO and non-ECMO groups. However, there was a higher proportion of acute cor pulmonale (41% vs. 26 %, P = 0.02) in the ECMO group. During their ICU stay, echocardiographic RV systolic function worsened in 44 (36%) patients in the ECMO group compared with six (10%) patients in the non-ECMO group (P< 0.001). The overall odds ratio for death for patients with worsening RV systolic function was 1.8 (95% confidence interval 0.95-3.37). Conclusion(s): Echocardiographic findings suggested that the presence of RV systolic dysfunction in COVIDECMO patients was comparable to the non-ECMO group on admission. However, a higher percentage of patients on ECMO developed worsening RV systolic function during follow-up.

Presentation of Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy in a Patient with Coronavirus-19 Disease

Case Report: It is well documented that Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) patients who suffer cardiac injury have a higher mortality rate, however the exact mechanism of cardiac injury and potential complications are still unknown. Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (TCM), which was first described in 1990 in Japan, is characterized by a transient systolic and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction with a range of wall motion abnormalities predominantly affecting women often following an emotional or physical trigger. Though TCM is seen less commonly as a cardiac complication of COVID-19, with increasing rates of cardiovascular events due to COVID-19, TCM should be taken into consideration as a potential diagnosis for a COVID-19 positive patient. Case Description: The case of a 75-year old female with a history significant for hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease presented to the Emergency Department after a ground level fall and subsequent left hip pain. Upon primary survey, EKG showed persistent sinus tachycardia in the 130-150s, with intermittent borderline dynamic changes and a troponin that was mildly elevated at 0.10, and an initial false negative COVID-19 test. Preoperative echocardiogram showed normal left ventricle size, no regional wall abnormalities, and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 60-65%. In post-operative care, EKG illustrated dynamic changes in the form of ST elevation in the lateral precordial leads, as well as an increase in the cardiac troponins, from 0.07 to 3.51. A subsequent echocardiogram illustrated a drop in her ejection fraction from 60-65% to 30-35%, with evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction that was not noted on previous echocardiograms. Following the Mayo clinic diagnostic criteria, this patient met the diagnostic criteria for TCM, as evident by new electrocardiograph findings, non-obstructive cardiac catherization findings, echocardiogram findings illustrating transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, modest elevations in cardiac troponins as well as the patient being a post-menopausal female. Subsequent echocardiogram on 2 week follow up showed a rebound in her ejection fraction to 50-55%. Discussion(s): Possible outcomes of TCM include cardiogenic shock, respiratory failure, and death. It is imperative that clinicians consider TCM as a possible diagnosis when treating COVID-19 patients that may be exhibiting cardiac complications. Frequent ECG monitoring and a vigilant differential should include TCM in patients presenting with COVID-19.

Atrio-Ventricular Conduction Abnormalities in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Purpose of study Since mid-April 2020 in Europe and North America, clusters of pediatric cases with a newly described severe systemic inflammatory response with shock have appeared. Patients had persistent fevers >38.5 C, hypotension, features of myocardial dysfunction, coagulopathy, gastrointestinal symptoms, rash, and elevated inflammatory markers without other causes of infection. The World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and Royal College of Paediatrics associated these symptoms with SARS-CoV-2 as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Cardiac manifestations include coronary artery aneurysms, left ventricular systolic dysfunction evidenced by elevation of troponin-T (TnT) and pro-B-type naturietic peptide (proBNP), and electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. We report the clinical course of three children with MIS-C while focusing on the unique atrioventricular (AV) conduction abnormalities. Case #1:19-year-old previously healthy Hispanic male presented with abdominal pain, fever, and non-bloody diarrhea for three days. He was febrile and hypotensive (80/47 mmHg) requiring fluid resuscitation. Symptoms, lab findings, and a positive COVID-19 antibody test were consistent with MIS-C. Methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and enoxaparin were started. He required epinephrine for shock and high flow nasal cannula for respiratory distress. Initial echocardiogram demonstrated a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40% with normal appearing coronaries. Troponin and proBNP were 0.41 ng/mL and proBNP 15,301 pg/mL respectively. ECG showed an incomplete right bundle branch block. He eventually became bradycardic to the 30s-50s and cardiac tracing revealed a complete AV block (figure 1a). Isoproterenol, a B1 receptor agonist, supported the severe bradycardia until the patient progressed to a type 2 second degree AV block (figure 1b). A second dose of IVIG was administered improving the rhythm to a type 1 second degree AV block. An IL-6 inhibitor, tocilizumab was given as the rhythm would not improve, and the patient soon converted to a first-degree AV block. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed septal predominant left ventricular hypertrophy and subepicardial enhancement along the basal inferior/anteroseptal walls typical for myocarditis. Case #2: 9-year-old previously healthy Hispanic male presented after three days of daily fevers, headaches, myalgias, diffuse abdominal pain, and ageusia. He was febrile, tachycardic, and hypotensive (68/39 mmHg). Hypotension of 50s/20s mmHg required 3 normal saline boluses of 20 ml/kg and initiation of an epinephrine drip. Severe hypoxia required endotracheal intubation. After the MIS-C diagnosis was made, he was treated with IVIG, mehtylprednisolone, enoxaparin, aspirin, and ceftriaxone. Due to elevated inflammatory markers by day 4 and patient's illness severity, a 7-day course of anakinra was initiated. Initial echocardiogram showed mild tricuspid and mitral regurgitation with a LVEF of 35-40%. Despite anti-inflammatory therapy, troponin and proBNP were 0.33 ng/mL and BNP of 25,335 pg/mL. A second echocardiogram confirmed poor function so milrinone was started. Only, after two doses of anakinra, LVEF soon normalized. Despite that, he progressively became bradycardic to the 50's. QTc was prolonged to 545 ms and worsened to a max of 592 ms. The aforementioned therapies were continued, and the bradycardia and QTc improved to 405 ms. Patient #3: 9-year-old African American male presented with four days of right sided abdominal pain, constipation, and non-bilious non-bloody emesis. He had a negative COVID test and unremarkable ultrasound of the appendix days prior. His history, elevated inflammatory markers, and positive COVID- 19 antibody were indicative of MIS-C. He was started on the appropriate medication regimen. Initial ECG showed sinus rhythm with normal intervals and echocardiogram was unremarkable. Repeat imaging by day three showed a decreased LVEF of 50%. ECG had since changed to a right bundle branch block. Anakinra as started and steroid dosing was increased. By day 5, he became bradycardic to the 50s and progressed to a junctional cardiac rhythm. Cardiac function normalized by day 7, and anakinra was subsequently stopped. Thereafter, heart rates ranged from 38-48 bpm requiring transfer to the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit for better monitoring and potential isoproterenol infusion. He remained well perfused, with continued medical management, heart rates improved. Methods used Retrospective Chart Review. Summary of results Non-specific T-wave, ST segment changes, and premature atrial or ventricular beats are the most often noted ECG anomalies. All patients initially had normal ECGs but developed bradycardia followed by either PR prolongation or QTc elongation. Two had mild LVEF dysfunction prior to developing third degree heart block and/or a junctional escape rhythm;one had moderate LVEF dysfunction that normalized before developing a prolonged QTc. Inflammatory and cardiac markers along with coagulation factors were the highest early in disease course, peak BNP occurred at approximately hospital day 3-4, and patient's typically had their lowest LVEF at day 5-6. Initial ECGs were benign with PR intervals below 200 milliseconds (ms). Collectively the length of time from initial symptom presentation till when ECG abnormalities began tended to be at day 8-9. Patients similarly developed increased QTc intervals later in the hospitalization. When comparing with the CRP and BNP trends, it appeared that the ECG changes (including PR and QTc elongation) occurred after the initial hyperinflammatory response. Conclusions Although the mechanism for COVID-19 induced heart block continues to be studied, it is suspected to be secondary to inflammation and edema of the conduction tissue. Insufficiency of the coronary arterial supply to the AV node and rest of the conduction system also seems to play a role. Although our patients had normal ECG findings, two developed bundle branch blocks prior to more complex rhythms near the peak of inflammatory marker values. Based on the premise that MIS-C is a hyperinflammatory response likely affecting conduction tissue, our group was treated with different regimens of IVIG, steroids, anakinra, and/or tocilizumab. Anakinra, being an IL-1 inhibitor, has been reported to dampen inflammation in viral myocarditis and tocilizumab has improved LVEF in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Based on our small case series, patient's with MISC can have AV nodal conduction abnormalities. The usual cocktail of IVIG and steroids helps;however, when there are more serious cases of cardiac inflammation, adjuvant immunosuppresants like anakinra and toculizumab can be beneficial. (Figure Presented).

Acute Severe Heart Failure in Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated With SARS-CoV-2: A Case Report.

A 17-year-old boy presented during the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2021 with intractable fevers and hemodynamic instability with early gastrointestinal disturbances, resembling features of the pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2. Our patient required intensive unit care for persistently worsening signs of cardiac failure; initial admission echocardiography demonstrated severe left ventricular dysfunction with an estimated ejection fraction of 27%. Treatment with intravenous IgG and corticosteroids showed a rapid improvement in symptoms, but further specialist cardiological input was required for heart failure in the coronary care unit. Substantial improvement in cardiac function was shown on echocardiography before discharge, initially to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 51% two days after the commencement of treatment and then to >55% four days later, and on cardiac MRI. An echocardiogram one month post-discharge was normal, and the patient reported complete resolution of heart failure symptoms by four months in addition to full restoration of functional status.

Cardiac findings and short-term outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 single center experiences from turkiye

Background and Aim: Multi-system inflammatory syndrome in chil-dren (MISC) associated with COVID-19 has been described as a potentially life-threatening disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate cardiovascular findings in children diagnosed with MISC at initial presentation and follow up. Method(s): Between November 2020 and November 2021, 35 children diagnosed with MISC based on WHO criteria were evaluated in this retrospective study.Cardiac markers, electrocardi-ography and echocardiography were performed in all cases at pre-sentation. Cardiac evaluation were repeated at the mean of 10th week after discharge(range:5 to 33weeks). Result(s): At this period, 633 children had positive PCR test of Covid-19. The freguency of MISC was 5.5% in our cohort. The median age was 9 years at diagnosis. Comorbid diseases were found in 20% cases, but none had preexisting heart disease. All patients had high grade fever and laboratory evidence of hyperin-flammation. Most cases had mild form disease, however 12 patients had been hospitalized in ICU median 6 day. 27 cases (77%) had cardiovascular involvement.Kawasaki-like findings were found in 10 patients and 5 cases were presented with shock(Figure-1) Echocardiography;Left ventricular (LV)systolic dysfunction (EFlt;57%) was detected in 11 cases (31.4%) and coronary artery (CA) dilatation(z scoregt;2)was found in five(14.2%) cases. Pericardial effusion was seen in 12 cases. Electrocardiography: Sinus tachycardia was the most common finding. 2 cases had pro-longed QTc interval and four cases had T wave alterations. Four cases had experienced complex ventricular arrhythmia. Cardiac markers:24 cases had high Pro-BNP level. 18 cases also had high Troponin T levels. Pro-BNP and Troponin T levels were not found to be correlated with LVEF. Only one adolescent boy who had severe cardiac dysfunction died during the acute period. Followup:There were two cases with persistent cardiac symptom, but no case had LV systolic dysfunction. The mean PR intervale was significantly lower than initial measurements. The mean of QT and QTc at follow up were not different from basal measurements.The mean LVEF was significantly higher than the initial levels. The basal CA z scores normalized at followup. Conclusion(s): MISC is characterized predominantly by cardio-vascular system involvement, but the children with MISC have good cardiac outcomes at short term follow up.

Acute myocardial infarction in a 9-year-old boy due to multisystem inflammatory disease

Background and Aim: Myocardial infarction after coronavirus dis-ease 2019(COVID-19) is a quite uncommon clinical disease in children. We present a case about a 9-year-old boy with total occlusion of the right main coronary artery(RMCA) attending to the hospital with chest pain. It was related pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease (MIS-C). Method(s): It is a case presentation. Result(s): Case Presentation: The patient had no previous cardiac or family history. Electrocardiography(ECG) showed a definite elevation on the extremity derivatives(DI, DII, DIII, and aVF), and marked ST depression on the chest derivatives (V1 to V6) and aVR, aVL, all representing lateral inferior ischemia. Transthoracic echocardi-ography revealed left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and global wall hypokinesia. Existence of fever and two-body system involvement (cardiac, gastrointestinal), CRP rise, and prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure in a month, MIS-C was a foremost diag-nosis. The total antibody for SARS-CoV-2 was positive. Lipid profiles(LDL, HDL, VLDL, triglyceride), lipid electrophoresis, routine coagulation, and thrombophilia tests were evaluated for differential diagnosis and all were normal. Because of the possible MI, it was planned to visualize coronary arteries by angiography. Total occlusion of the right main coronary artery(RMCA) with a large thrombus was detected without any dilatation of the coro-nary arteries in the coronary angiography. Two coronary stents were implanted into the distal and proximal part of the RMCA. After the procedure, clopidogrel was added to acetylsalicylic acid for platelet inhibition. During the follow-up, LVEF rose to 55% and there was a little hypokinesia on the left inferior wall of ventricles. Conclusion(s):. It should be kept in mind that acute coronary throm-bosis could be an important complication of COVID-19 exposure or MIS-C. A coronary stent implantation is a good treatment option even in small children.

Cardiopulmonary exercise test in children with pediatric inflammatory multisistemic syndrome associated with COVID-19 (PIMS)

Background and Aim: Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in paedi-atric population has a generally mild course. In Spain, patients under 15 years old have accounted only for 0,4% of hospital admis-sions and 0,7% of intensive care admissions. However, in May 2020, cases of children with a systemic inflammatory syndrome related to a recent COVID-19 infection were described. In severe forms, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, mitral regurgitation, pericardial effusion and coronary artery dilatation or aneurysms have been described. The aim of this study is to describe the results obtained in cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in previously healthy patients with PIMS. Method(s): Prospective study of PIMS patients who performed CPET. Godfrey ramp protocol recommended by European Society of Cardiology (ESC) was used in all cases. Measured var-iables, expressed by predicted values, were: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), ratio of minute venti-lation to carbon dioxide production (VE/VO2 slope), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), oxygen pulse (O2 pulse) and maximum heart rate (HR). Result(s): Eight patients (75% boys) aged 5-14 years (median 10,5 years) performed CPET reaching a mean peak load of 105,87 W (median 112,5 W and mean load per kg of weight 2,34 W/kg). Only 1 patient (12,5%) presented basal spirometric disturb-ances in context of asthma without chronic treatment. Obtained mean respiratory parameters were: FVC 97,88%, FEV1 92,7%, Tiffeneau 83% and VECO2p 32,47. Oxygen satu-ration before and after CPET was greater than 95% in 100% of patients. In 6 patients (75%) the V02max and oxygen pulse was greater than 80% of predicted value (100% of patients reached at least 40% of V02 max at anaerobic threshold). Obtained mean cardiovascular parameters were: VO2 max 1624mL/min (median 1655 ml/min and V02 per kg of weight 36,9 ml/kg), pulse oxygen 9 ml and OUES 1,92. Conclusion(s): PIMS may cause severe cardiac disturbances justifying cardiological monitoring of these patients. CPET allows to assess functional capacity of these children after the disease. In our serie, most of patients had a good functional capacity (75%). Studies with more patients are needed to make extended conclusions.

Clinical characteristics, treatment response and short-term general and cardiac outcomes in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)

Background and Aim: In April 2020, clinicians in the United Kingdom observed a group of children with hyperinflammatory shock with significant cardiovascular effects, with features similar to Kawasaki disease and toxic shock syndrome. This new syn-drome that is temporally related to previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection, is now known as multisystem inflammatory syn-drome in children (MIS-C). The aim of this study is to describe the incidence, the clinical, laboratory and echocardiografic character-istics of hospitalized children who met criteria for the MIS-C and analyse short time general and cardiac outcomes in our region. Method(s): Data from children admitted who fulfilled the case def-inition of MIS-C were collected between October 2020 and November 2021. Result(s): 10 cases of MIS-C were reported;the incidence of MIS-C during this period was 1 per 10000 positive sars-cov2 cases (diag-nosed by polymerase chain reaction test or antigen test). The median age was 10 years (IQR 6-12). 70% were male and 50% corresponded to ethnic minority group in our country (20% Latin American and 30% African). 8 of 10 patients (80%) had evi-dence of current or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and 2 of 10 (20%) had an antecedent of contact with a COVID positive patient. Fever (100% patients), hematologic disturbances (90%), cardiac involvement (biochemical or echocardiographic) (80%), gastrointestinal (80%) and mucocutaneus (50%) symptoms were common presenting features. 8 of 10 were admitted in the pedi-atric intensive care unit. When referring to cardiovascular involve-ment, 1 of 10 (10%) patients had left ventricular systolic dysfunction, 2 of 10 (20%) had mild pericardial effusion and 4 of 10 (40%) mild coronary artery abnormalities. Conclusion(s): Although the incidence is low, in this case series most patients show homogeneous clinical and laboratory findings. Since cardiac involvement is described in a high proportion of patients, long-term follow-up is required due to the unclear prognosis and risk of progression of cardiac manifestation.

Cardiac Management in Pediatric COVID-19 Disease

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can involve children of all ages, although less frequently and with a milder presentation than adults. Cardiovascular abnormalities (myocardial injury, acute myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, arrhythmias, pericarditis, cardiogenic shock, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction) may accompany, especially with the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents (MIS-C). Severe disease is managed in the hospital setting. Supportive care is the mainstay of therapy. Antiviral therapy, immune-mediated therapies, empiric antibiotics, and therapy for influenza infection are used in selective patients. Cardiac management focuses on maintaining hemodynamic stability and providing adequate systemic perfusion. Children presenting with shock should be resurrected according to standard protocols. Vasoactive agents such as epinephrine or norepinephrine and, if possible, milrinone is used in fluid-refractory shock. Children with Kawasaki disease (KD) features should receive standard therapies for KD, including intravenous immune globulin (IVIG), aspirin, and glucocorticoids. Patients with severe LV dysfunction, intravenous diuretics and inotropic agents, such as milrinone, dopamine, and dobutamine are suggested. Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential. In cases of the fulminant disease, mechanical hemodynamic support may be necessary. For moderate or severe manifestations (shock, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, elevated troponin or brain natriuretic peptide, arrhythmia, coronary artery aneurysm, or presentations requiring PICU care), therapy with combined IVIG plus a glucocorticoid is suggested. Patients may be at risk for venous thromboembolism due to COVID- 19 associated hypercoagulability. Patients with MIS-C and those with severe LV dysfunction or CA aneurysms are at increased risk. It is suggested that all patients with MIS-C receive low-dose aspirin, and severe cases requiring PICU care receive prophylactic-dose anticoagulant therapy. Patients with current or prior VTE, severe LV dysfunction, large or giant CA aneurysms, markedly elevated D-dimer should receive therapeutic anticoagulation (low molecular weight heparin) plus aspirin. Most children with cardiac involvement have recovery of function by hospital discharge. The overall mortality rate for MIS-C is approximately 1 to 2 percent. Cardiology follow-up after discharge is recommended.

MIS-CM imicking Acute Appendicitis

Introduction: Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints seen in the pediatric acute care setting. SARS-CoV-2 disease in children includes a hyperinflammatory syndrome called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Gastrointestinal symptoms are most common in pediatric acute SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as in MIS-C. Case Description: A 13- year-old female presented with diffuse lower abdominal pain for 3-days. Pain was 10/10 in intensity, worsened with movement, and had associated constipation, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. Exam showed an ill-appearing female with labile vitals and generalized lower abdominal tenderness with good bowel sounds. Ultrasound suggested features of acute appendicitis but a follow-up CT did not visualize the appendix. She was admitted to the inpatient unit after routine screening revealed positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody but negative PCR. She received IV fluid bolus, narcotic analgesics, and ampicillin-sulbactam preoperatively. Within hours, she spiked high-grade fevers (101.4F), sustained hypotension, and tachycardia with concern for sepsis secondary to a possible ruptured appendix. She underwent emergency diagnostic laparoscopy which revealed bile-tinged fluid in the lower quadrant, a mildly inflamed appendicular tip without perforation, and thickened mesenteric nodes within the inflamed distal ileum. Intra-operatively, she had persistent hypotension requiring fluid boluses and vasopressors. Her admission labs revealed elevated inflammatory markers, deranged coagulation profile, and elevated cardiac enzymes. Her differential diagnosis was then revised to include MIS-C and severe sepsis. Antibiotic coverage was broadened to Vancomycin and Meropenem. An Echocardiogram showed mitral regurgitation with moderately to severely decreased right and left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 32.8% The patient was then transferred to the pediatric cardiac critical unit where she received treatment with IVIG, steroids, and anticoagulants. Her clinical status and lab studies improved with EF > 50%. She was discharged from the intensive care unit after 7 days and has had an uneventful follow-up. Discussion: Differential diagnosis for acute lower abdominal pain in an adolescent female is broad. Similar cases with predominant GI symptoms and later generalized multisystem involvement have been reported, however, most were managed conservatively. Two reports have been published on MIS-C presenting as acute appendicitis, but neither had significant cardiac involvement. Our patient's presentation can easily be confused with an acute surgical abdomen but the pathology report confirmed a congested appendix without any fecoliths supporting either inflammation or vasculitis as the cause for her presentation, which is in concordance with the hyperinflammatory state that has previously been described in patients presenting with a history of past SARS-CoV- 2 infections. Conclusion: MIS-C can mimic serious pediatric illnesses including sepsis, acute abdomen, and Kawasaki disease. Clinicians should have a low threshold for suspecting MIS-C, as prompt treatment can be lifesaving. Universal screening for COVID-19 infection with PCR and antibody tests can expedite the diagnostic evaluation of severely ill children. Showing reactive wall thickening of the cecum and small bowel loops (red arrow) and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes (yellow arrow). The appendix could not be visualized here.

Clinical profile and outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): Hospital-based prospective observational study from a tertiary care hospital in South India.

AIM: To study the clinical profile and outcomes in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). METHODS: Children aged 1 month to 15 years presenting with MIS-C (May 2020 to November 2021) were enrolled. Clinical, laboratory, echocardiography parameters and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Eighty-one children (median age 60 months (24-100)) were enrolled. Median duration of fever was 5 days (3-7). Twenty-nine (35.8%) had shock (severe MIS-C) including 23 (28.3%) requiring inotropes (median duration = 25 h (7.5-33)). Ten required mechanical ventilation, 12 had acute kidney injury and 1 child died. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction was seen in 38 (46.9%), 16 (19.7%) had coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) and 13 (20%) had macrophage activation syndrome. Sixty-one (75.3%) were SARS CoV-2 positive (10 by RT-PCR and 51 by serology). Sixty-eight (83.9%) received immunomodulators. Younger age was significantly associated with CAA (P value = 0.05). Older age, LV dysfunction, SARS CoV-2 positivity, low platelet count and elevated serum ferritin were significantly associated with severe MIS-C (univariate analysis). Younger age was an independent predictor of CAA (P = 0.05); older age (P = 0.043) and low platelet count (P = 0.032) were independent predictors of severe MIS-C (multivariate logistic regression analysis). CONCLUSION: Our patients had diverse clinical manifestations with a good outcome. Younger age was significantly associated with CAA. Older age, LV dysfunction, low platelet count and elevated serum ferritin were significantly associated with severe MIS-C. Younger age is an independent predictor of CAA. Older age and low platelet count are independent predictors of severe MIS-C.

Mobile Cardiac Acoustic Monitoring System to Evaluate Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Pacemaker Patients.

The mobile cardiac acoustic monitoring system is a promising tool to enable detection and assist the diagnosis of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). The objective of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of electromechanical activation time (EMAT), an important cardiac acoustic biomarker, in quantifying LVSD among left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) and right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) patients using a mobile acoustic cardiography monitoring system. In this prospective single-center observational study, pacemaker-dependent patients were consecutively enrolled. EMAT, the time from the start of the pacing QRS wave to first heart sound (S1) peak; left ventricular systolic time (LVST), the time from S1 peak to S2 peak; and ECG were recorded simultaneously by the mobile cardiac acoustic monitoring system. LVEF was measured by echocardiography. A logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the association between EMAT and reduced EF (LVEF < 50%). A total of 105 pacemaker-dependent patients participated. The RVAP group (n = 58) displayed a significantly higher EMAT than the LBBP group (n = 47) (150.95 ± 19.46 vs. 108.23 ± 12.26 ms, p < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant negative correlation between EMAT and LVEF (p < 0.001). Survival analysis showed the sensitivity and specificity of detecting LVEF to be < 50% when EMAT ≥ 151 ms were 96.00% and 96.97% in the RVAP group. In LBBP patients, the sensitivity and specificity of using EMAT ≥ 110 ms as the cutoff value for the detection of LVEF < 50% were 75.00% and 100.00%. There was no significant difference in LVST with or without LVSD in the RVAP group (p = 0.823) and LBBP group (p = 0.086). Compared to LVST, EMAT was more helpful to identify LVSD in pacemaker-dependent patients. The cutoff point of EMAT for diagnosing LVEF < 50% differed regarding the pacing type. Therefore, the mobile cardiac acoustic monitoring system can be used to identify the progress of LVSD in pacemaker patients.

Acute heart damage and COVID-19: a case study

Background: COVID-19 disease is characterized by respiratory symptoms, but acute cardiovascular complications are reported in severe infections that adversely affect prognosis. Clinical Case: A patient is hospitalized for fever, chest pain, and dyspnoea. Clinical examination: pulmonary and peripheral congestion, low blood pressure values, oxygen saturation in ambient air 91%. Increased myocardiocytolysis and inflammatory indices. Nasopharyngeal swab: positive for COVID-19. Chest CT scan: interstitial pneumonia. ECG: sinus tachycardia, changes in ventricular repolarization. Echocardiogram: left ventricle dilated, hypertrophic and with severe global systolic dysfunction. Therapy: furosemide, high flow oxygen alternating CPAP, antiretrovirals, antibiotics, low molecular weight heparin, beta blocker. Cardiac MRI: focal edema of the anterior wall. Coronary angiography: moderate coronary artery disease. Control chest CT scan: resolution of pulmonary interstitial disease. Cardiac MRI after 2 months: improvement of the overall systolic function of the left ventricle. Conclusions: An entity defined as “acute myocardial damage” characterized by an increase in troponin with ECG and/or echocardiographic changes, is reported in COVID patients. These forms are not related to coronary artery disease but are the consequence of the septic state and the excessive activation of the infectious- inflammatory systems and can manifest themselves with myocarditis/stress myocardiopathy causing heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Pancarditis as the Clinical Presentation of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Multimodality Approach to Diagnosis

Eosinophilic pancarditis (EP) is a rare, often unrecognized condition caused by endomyocardial infiltration of eosinophil granulocytes (referred as eosinophilic myocarditis, EM) associated with pericardial involvement. EM has a variable clinical presentation, ranging from asymptomatic cases to acute cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) or chronic restrictive cardiomyopathy at high risk of progression to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). EP is associated with high in‐hospital mortality, particularly when associated to endomyocardial thrombosis, coronary arteries vasculitis or severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. To date, there is a lack of consensus about the optimal diagnostic algorithm and clinical management of patients with biopsy‐proven EP. The differential diagnosis includes hypersensitivity myocarditis, eosinophil granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), hypereosinophilic syndrome, parasitic infections, pregnancy‐related hypereosinophilia, malignancies, drug overdose (particularly clozapine) and Omenn syndrome (OMIM 603554). To our knowledge, we report the first case of pancarditis associated to eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) with negative anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Treatment with steroids and azathioprine was promptly started. Six months later, the patient developed a relapse: treatment with subcutaneous mepolizumab was added on the top of standard therapy, with prompt disease activity remission. This case highlights the role of a multimodality approach for the diagnosis of cardiac involvement associated to systemic immune disorders.

To evaluate the cardiovascular changes associated with covid-19

Aim: To evaluate the cardiovascular changes associated with covid-19 Methods: One hundred consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection underwent complete echocardiographic evaluation within 24 hours of admission and were compared with reference values. Echocardiographic studies included left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and valve hemodynamics and right ventricular (RV) assessment, as well as lung ultrasound. A second examination was performed in case of clinical deterioration. Results: Clinical data were collected in 120 consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. A total of 20 patients were excluded because they did not undergo echocardiographic assessment. The reasons for not performing the echocardiogram were as follows: hospital discharge within 24 hours of admission (8 patients), patient refusal (2 patient), and death shortly after hospitalisation (8 patients, all >80 years of age and with a “do not resuscitate” status). Conclusions: patients presenting with clinical deterioration at follow-up, acute RV dysfunction, with or without deep vein thrombosis, is more common, but acute LV systolic dysfunction was noted in ≈20%.

Description of cardiovascular imaging abnormalities among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with elevated cardiac biomarkers

Background and aims: Myocardial injury is commonly encountered among severely-ill COVID-19 patients. Underlying mechanisms, however, remain incompletely understood. Describing cardiovascular imaging (CVI) abnormalities in this population will provide additional insight into mechanisms of myocardial injury with COVID-19 and may potentially guide management for these patients. Therefore, we aimed to describe CVI abnormalities in COVID-19 patients with elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn). Methods: Consecutive hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n = 694) between February and July 2020 were retrospectively identified, including 409 patients with available hs-cTn (≥14 ng/dL was considered abnormal) Abnormality with any CVI-including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), cardiac CT angiography, cardiac MR or invasive coronary angiography (ICA)-were identified through review of electronic records. Results: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with abnormal hs-cTn (107/409;26.2%) had more frequent utilization of CVI compared with those with normal hs-cTn (61.7% vs. 30.5%, OR:3.7, 95%CI [2.3,5.8]) or those without available hs-cTn data (61.7% vs. 29.9%, OR:3.8, 95%CI [2.4,6]). Most utilized CVI modalities were TTE (63/107;58.9%) followed by ICA (6/107;5.6%). Echocardiographic abnormalities detected include right or left ventricular systolic dysfunction (22%), pericardial effusion (11%), while coronary artery disease was identified in 83.3% of patients who underwent ICA. Conclusion: In this single center experience, cardiac biomarker elevation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was associated with a 3-fold increase in the likelihood of CVI utilization, most commonly TTE. Ventricular systolic dysfunction and severe coronary artery disease were commonly encountered in patients with abnormal hs-cTn. However, these results need to be interpreted in the context of inconsistent use of CVI in patients with elevated cardiac biomarkers, which may preclude arrival at definitive conclusions. Prospective studies with standardized use of CVI in high-risk COVID-19 patients are warranted to advance our understanding of cardiac toxicity with COVID-19.

Acute cor pulmonale and mortality in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome

Introduction: Although COVID-19 affects primarily the respiratory system, several studies have shown evidence of cardiovascular alterations and right ventricular dysfunction. Our aim was to evaluated cardiac function and its association with lung function, hemodynamic compromise and mortality. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional multicenter study in four university-affiliated hospitals in Chile. All consecutive patients with COVID-19 ARDS on mechanical ventilation admitted between April and July 2020 were included. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed within the first 24 h of intubation. Results: Consecutive 140 patients on mechanical ventilation with COVID-19 ARDS were included in the study, the mean age was 57 ± 11 years, PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 155 [IQR 107-177], cardiac output was 5.1 L/min [IQR 4.5-6.2] and 86% of the patients required norepinephrine. ICU mortality was 29% (40 patients). Fifty-four patients (39%) exhibited right ventricle dilation and 20 of them (37%) exhibited acute cor pulmonale (ACP). Eight of twenty (40%) patients with ACP exhibited pulmonary embolism. Patients with ACP had higher norepinephrine requirement, lower stroke volume, tachycardia, prolonged capillary refill time and higher lactate levels. In addition, acute cor pulmonale patients presented lower compliance, higher driving pressure and the presence of respiratory acidosis. Left ventricular systolic function was normal or hyperkinetic in most cases and only thirteen patients (9%) exhibited left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction < 45%). In the multivariate analysis acute core pulmonale, PaO2/FiO2 ratio and pH were independent predictors of mortality (Table 1). Conclusions: Right ventricular dilation is highly prevalent in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 ARDS. The presence of acute cor pulmonale is associated with poorer lung function, but only in 40% of patients it was associated to pulmonary embolism. Acute cor pulmonale is an independent risk factor for mortality in the ICU. (Table Presented).

Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction Detected by 2D Speckle-Tracking in Young Adults Post–COVID-19 Recovery

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Apart from respiratory findings, cardiac involvement has been highlighted by some studies. COVID-19 is increasing rapidly among young adults. The present study was designed to evaluate left ventricular function using speckle-tracking echocardiography in young adult COVID-19 patients who underwent home recovery. Methods: The study assessed 40 patients aged between 18 and 39 years who recovered at home from COVID-19 and 20 healthy control subjects. All the participants underwent evaluations of left and right ventricular function via the conventional and global longitudinal strain (GLS) technique measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography. Results: Heart rate was significantly higher in the post–COVID-19 group (P=0.024). The patients were assessed for a mean period of 38.8 days (standard deviation=10.9 d) after negative COVID-19 testing. In the post–COVID-19 group, 19 patients (47%) reported ongoing dyspnea: 13 had dyspnea during ordinary daily activities and 6 had dyspnea during less-than-ordinary daily activities. Nine patients (23%) had chest pain, 8 (20%) had palpitations, 22 (55%) had fatigue, and 4 (10%) had joint pain. The left ventricular GLS value for the post–COVID-19 group was significantly impaired compared with the control group (P=0.006). Conclusions: Among our young adult patients, who had recovered from COVID-19 at home, left ventricular GLS was affected, which may indicate the subclinical impairment of left ventricular systolic function.

The association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and echocardiographic parameters in hospitalised adults with COVID-19-a retrospective analysis

Background: The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory biomarker with prognostic value in several cardiovascular conditions. Hyperinflammation contributes to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is characterized by a multi-organ dysfunction. Cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 include arrhythmias, myocardial damage, acute heart failure, and acute coronary syndrome. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can be used to assess cardiovascular structure and function non-invasively. Purpose: To investigate the association between NLR at admission and TTE abnormalities in hospitalised adults with COVID-19. Methods: This single-centre retrospective study was conducted at a COVID-19 referral hospital in Indonesia. All consecutive hospitalised adults with confirmed COVID-19 who underwent TTE assessments between 3 April 2020 to 6 April 2021 were included. Comprehensive data including NLR at admission, demographics, co-morbidities, peak severity of COVID-19, and TTE parameters were extracted from electronic medical records. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine the optimal NLR cut-off for prediction of severe-critical COVID-19. Patients with high and low NLR were compared using the chi-square test and odds ratios (OR), with a confidence level of 95%. Results: A total of 487 patients were included in this study. From ROC curve analysis, the area under curve was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76-0.84). The optimal NLR cut-off was determined as 4.42, which predicted severe-critical COVID-19 with a sensitivity of 74.5% and a specificity of 74.6%. Based on this, the low NLR and high NLR groups had 223 and 264 patients, respectively. Male sex, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease occurred more frequently in the high NLR group (P < 0.05). On TTE assessment, the high NLR group had higher odds of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (OR: 2.49;95% CI: 1.14-5.45), LV wall motion abnormalities (OR: 2.62;95% CI: 1.41-4.87), valve abnormalities (OR: 2.04;95% CI: 1.35-3.07), and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (OR: 10.55;95% CI: 2.46-45.25). Conclusions: COVID-19 patients with a high NLR at admission had higher odds of abnormal TTE findings, including LV systolic dysfunction, LV wall motion abnormalities, valve abnormalities, and RV dysfunction. This indicates a possible link between inflammation and cardiovascular dysfunction in COVID-19, which must be confirmed in larger prospective studies. (Figure Presented).