Key result
Prior COVID-19 infection is not associated with differences in LVEF or longitudinal strain.
Why the study?
The persistent effects of COVID-19 infection on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function require further investigation using echocardiography.
Does COVID-19 infection impair left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in non-critical survivors during the post-acute phase?
Observational (n=100)
Does COVID-19 infection impair left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in non-critical survivors during the post-acute phase?
Non-critical COVID-19 survivors demonstrate clinically stable and preserved left ventricular global systolic function and longitudinal strain in the post-acute phase.
Reassures against routine systolic surveillance in recovered young adults; extends prior observational data but leaves open questions for higher-risk groups.
Background: SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen behind COVID-19, often involves the cardiovascular system due to high ACE2 receptor density in myocardial tissue. While immediate cardiac complications are recognized, the persistent effects on left ventricular (LV) performance require further investigation through echocardiography. Aim: This study aimed to comprehensively describe the sequelae of COVID-19 infection on the left ventricle using echocardiography Methods: The study included 100 participants. Cardiac function was assessed using a standard 12-lead ECG and transthoracic echocardiography. LV systolic function was evaluated using the Biplane Simpson Method, and myocardial contractility was further analyzed using Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography (STE). Results: The mean age was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group (34.24 ± 8.71 vs 30.48 ± 5.85 years; P=0.013). No significant differences were found in LVEF or longitudinal strain between COVID-19 survivors and controls. This aligns with several previous studies reporting preserved LV function in non-critical survivors. Discussion & Conclusion: These data demonstrate clinical stability in LV performance during the post-acute phase, suggesting that global systolic function is largely unaffected in this cohort. However, the use of sensitive indicators like Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) is recommended for patients with persistent symptoms like dyspnea. Limitations include the small sample size, and prospective studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended.
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Mohamed et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Post-COVID-19 infection (n=100). COVID-19 infection vs. Controls was evaluated on Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and longitudinal strain. Among 100 participants, prior COVID-19 infection was not associated with significant differences in left ventricular ejection fraction or longitudinal strain compared to controls.
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