COVID-19-convalescence phase unmasks a silent myocardial infarction due to coronary plaque rupture

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.

Automated summary

The increased risk of cardiovascular complications during and post-COVID-19 infection is more recognized, including myocarditis, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarctions. Mechanisms leading to these complications involve direct virus-induced injuries, potential thrombotic and inflammatory-induced mechanisms. Myocardial infarction might be an important differential diagnosis to consider in deteriorating patients with COVID-19.