Return-to-play decisions for athletes after acute myocarditis are complex and require accurate risk stratification guided by comprehensive multiparametric evaluation and shared decision-making.
Return-to-play decisions for athletes with myocarditis require a comprehensive multiparametric evaluation and shared decision-making to mitigate the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Myocarditis is a condition characterized by heterogeneous etiologies, clinical manifestations, and natural history. Its diagnosis remains challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates clinical evaluation, biomarkers, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and advanced imaging modalities. Cardiac magnetic resonance has emerged as the non-invasive gold-standard test, that together with endomyocardial biopsy, constitutes the foundation of the current diagnostic classification. Myocarditis is also a frequent acquired cause of sudden cardiac death in young individuals, including athletes. In this setting, the evaluation of return-to-play eligibility in athletes after acute myocarditis is complex and often limited by scarce evidence-based data. Accurate risk stratification, guided by a comprehensive multiparametric evaluation and a shared decision-making process that considers the potential risks of resuming competitive sport, is fundamental to ensuring athlete safety. This review aims to discuss the management of athletes with myocarditis and to address the challenges associated with return-to-play decisions.
Dores et al. (Tue,) conducted a review in Myocarditis in athletes. Return-to-play evaluation was evaluated. Return-to-play decisions for athletes after acute myocarditis are complex and require accurate risk stratification guided by comprehensive multiparametric evaluation and shared decision-making.