Key result
In athletes recovering from COVID-19, the pooled event rate of myocarditis detected by cardiac magnetic resonance was 1% (CI 1-2%), reaching 4% in subgroup analysis.
Why the study?
The study was conducted to assess the event rates of myocarditis detected by CMR in athletes who recovered from COVID-19.
Meta-Analysis (n=7,988)
The prevalence of COVID-19-related myocarditis in athletes is low (1-4%), supporting the use of current screening protocols to guide safe return to play and appropriate use of CMR.
Supports selective monitoring in post-COVID athletes; leaves open optimal CMR screening protocols.
BACKGROUND: To assess the event rates of myocarditis detected by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) in athletes who recovered from COVID-19. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies reporting abnormal CMR findings in athletes who recovered from COVID-19. Secondary analyses were performed considering increased serum high sensitivity troponin (hs-Tn) levels and electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic (ECHO) abnormalities. RESULTS: In total, 7988 athletes from 15 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled event rate of myocarditis was 1% (CI 1-2%), reaching 4% in the sub-group analysis. In addition, heterogeneity was observed (I2 43.8%). The pooled event rates of elevated serum hs-Tn levels, abnormal ECG and ECHO findings were 2% (CI 1-5%), 3% (CI 1-10%) and 2% (CI 1-6%), respectively. ECG, ECHO and serum hs-Tn level abnormalities did not show any correlation with myocarditis. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of COVID-19-related myocarditis in the athletic population ranges from 1 to 4%. Even if the event rate is quite low, current screening protocols are helpful tools for a safe return to play to properly address CMR studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: the study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42022300819).
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Modica et al. (2022) conducted a meta-analysis in COVID-19 (n=7,988). COVID-19 was evaluated on Myocarditis detected by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) (95% CI 1-2). In athletes recovering from COVID-19, the pooled event rate of myocarditis detected by cardiac magnetic resonance was 1% (CI 1-2%), reaching 4% in subgroup analysis.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: