Open AccessCOVID‐19‐convalescence phase unmasks a silent myocardial infarction due to coronary plaque rupture
Author(s) -
Tschöpe Carsten,
Sherif Mohammad,
Anker Markus S.,
Geisel Dominik,
Kuehne Titus,
Kelle Sebastian
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
esc heart failure
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.787
H-Index - 25
ISSN - 2055-5822
DOI - 10.1002/ehf2.13186
Subject(s) - convalescence , medicine , cardiology , myocardial infarction , covid-19 , myocarditis , heart failure , ejection fraction , viral myocarditis , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty)
Increased risk of cardiovascular complications during and post‐COVID‐19 infection is more and more recognized—including myocarditis, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarctions (MIs). The mechanisms leading to these complications are direct virus‐induced injuries, as well as potential thrombotic and inflammatory‐induced mechanisms. To the latter, inflammatory plaque instability and plaque rupture are discussed entities contributing to MI‐induced post‐COVID‐19 complications. Our case report describes the first time, when a temporary impairment of LVEF in the COVID‐19‐convalescence phase unmasks a silent MI due to coronary plaque rupture by using invasive (OCT) and non‐invasive (CMR) modalities. Myocardial infarction might be an important differential diagnosis to consider in deteriorating patients with COVID‐19, especially if dyspnoea persists after acute infection.