Persistent Myocardial Dysfunction Assessed by Global Myocardial Strain in Covid-19 Recovered Patients with Cardiovascular Comorbidities at 3 Months after Acute Infection

Background Previous studies reported the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has long implications, which involve multiple organs, including the cardiovascular system. This study aims to assess myocardial dysfunction by echocardiograph myocardial longitudinal strain Left ventricular-Global Longitudinal Strain (LV-GLS) and Right Ventricular-Free Wall Strain (RV-FWS) measurements as a marker for myocardial dysfunction and heart fibrosis. Additionally, we aim to identify admission factors that may serve as a predictor of long COVID syndrome. Methods This cross-sectional study assessed echocardiograph global longitudinal strain (GLS) values measurement done three months after initial hospitalization. Multivariate analysis was done to investigate admission factors associated with differences in GLS values. Results 100 subjects with cardiovascular comorbidities and prior COVID-19 infection were enrolled. Echocardiography examination showed lower GLS values in this group compared to the normal population. Demographic and risk factors-matched subjects without a history of COVID-19 (n = 31, Control 1) and healthy subjects (n-31, Control 2) were included as comparisons to validate GLS results. The case group had significantly lower LV-GLS values compared to other groups (p < 0.05, mean ± SD -16.17 ± 3.379, -19.48 ± 1.141, -21.48 ± 1.777 respectively for case, control one, and control two groups). Upon admission, a history of coronary artery disease was found to be associated with decreased LV GLS values in recovered COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular comorbidity. Conclusion LV GLS values significantly decreased in recovered COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. Upon admission, a history of CAD may predict cardiac long COVID-19 syndrome.