Does mild SARS-CoV-2 infection impact cardiac function and structure in elite athletes compared to pre-infection status and healthy controls?
Mild SARS-CoV-2 infection does not significantly impair left ventricular function in elite athletes, suggesting that subtle changes in right ventricular and left atrial strain may be temporary or training-related adaptations.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Myocardial involvement has been observed in athletes following SARS-CoV-2 infection. It is unclear if these changes are due to myocardial damage per se or to an interruption in training. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac function and structure in elite athletes before and after infection (INFAt) and compare them to a group of healthy controls (CON). METHODS: ) mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and 16 sex-, age- and sports type-matched CON. Left and right ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV/RV GLS), RV free wall longitudinal strain (RV FWS) and left atrial strain (LAS) were assessed by an investigator blinded to patient history. RESULTS: = 0.050) values. CONCLUSIONS: In elite athletes, mild SARS-CoV-2 infection does not significantly impact LV function when compared to their pre-SARS-CoV-2 status and to healthy controls. However, subtle changes in RV and LA strain may indicate temporary or training-related adaptions. Further research is needed, particularly focusing on athletes with more severe infections or prolonged symptoms.
Schellenberg et al. (Fri,) studied this question.