NP expression in cardiomyocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells of cardiac vessels indicates their direct infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus and possible long-term persistence of viral infection. It was found that in severe COVID-19 CD3- and CD68-positive cells are detected in the heart; endothelial dysfunction is observed, which is indicated by decreased expression of CD31 and high expression of vWF. The identified myocardial changes may influence the development of post-COVID cardiovascular complications.
Lapii et al. (Tue,) studied this question.