Handheld bedside ultrasound in the diagnosis of myocarditis

Myocarditis is a disease process that every emergency physician fears missing.Its severity can be mild to life-threatening,and many cases are likely undetected because they are subclinical with nonspecifi c signs.[1]Subtle cardiac signs may be overshadowed by systemic symptoms of the underlying infectious process.Fever,myalgias,lethargy,symptoms commonly associated with viral syndrome,can mask the life-threatening myocarditis that may be present.In fact,in the United States Myocarditis Treatment Trial,almost 90%of patients reported symptoms consistent with a viral prodrome.[2]Ammirati et al[3]reported that 27%of patients with myocarditis had either reduced left ventricular ejection fraction,ventricular arrhythmias,or low cardiac output.Here,we present a case report,in which handheld point-of-care ultrasound was utilized at the bedside to aid in the critical diagnosis of myocarditis.With the additional information provided through this imaging modality,this patient was able to be transferred to the appropriate tertiary care facility in an expeditious manner and receive possible defi nitive treatment.

Icariin ameliorates viral myocarditis by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis

Objective:To explore the mechanism by which icariin alleviates viral myocarditis.Methods:CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes were used as an in vitro model of viral myocarditis to assess the effects of icariin treatment on cell viability,inflammation,and apoptosis.Moreover,the effects of icariin on ferroptosis and TLR4 signaling were assessed.After AC16 cells were transfected with TLR4 overexpression plasmids,the role of TLR4 in mediating the regulatory effect of icariin in viral myocarditis was investigated.Results:Icariin significantly elevated cell viability and reduced inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and IL-18.Flow cytometry revealed that icariin decreased apoptosis rate,and the protein expression of Bax and cleaved caspase 3 and 9 in CVB3-induced cardiomyocytes.Additionally,it suppressed ferroptosis including lipid peroxidation and ferrous ion,as well as the TLR4 signaling.However,TLR4 overexpression abrogated the modulatory effects of icariin.Conclusions:Icariin mitigates CVB3-induced myocardial injury by inhibiting TLR4-mediated ferroptosis.Further animal study is needed to verify its efficacy.

Evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of noninvasive diagnosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B complicated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and significant liver fibrosis

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of chronic viral hepatitis B(CHB)with significant liver fibrosis(S2)in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)by using noninvasive diagnosis and their combined models,and to explore their clinical features.Methods:A total of 104 inpatients with CHB diagnosed and complicated with NAFLD(hepatic steatosis suggested by liver biopsy)were retrospectively collected from January 2018 to January 2023 in the Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Xinjiang Medical University.Liver biopsy was performed in all patients.General data,laboratory test results,liver hardness(LSM),FIB-4,APRI,GGT/PLT,AST/PLT and other results of patients were collected and grouped according to different fibrosis stages(S)to explore the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with<S2 and S2 stages.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of LSM,FIB-4,APRI,GGT/PLT,AST/PLT and their combined models in patients with significant liver fibrosis in CHB patients with NAFLD.Results:Among the 104 patients,there were 55 patients had S1 fibrosis,32 patients had S2 fibrosis,11 patients had S3 fibrosis and 6 patients had S4 fibrosis.Patients had<S2 fibrosis,ALT 33.75±17.15 U/L,AST 24.00(19.77,29.00)U/L,inflammation above G2 stage accounted for 92.72%,GGT/PLT 0.07(0.10,0.15),AST/PLT 0.09(0.10,0.15),LSM 8.70(6.80,10.10)kPa,FIB-41.07±0.51,APRI 0.26(0.22,0.28).In patients S2 fibrosis,ALT 42.14±21.39 U/L,AST 29.04(24.00,40.32)U/L,inflammation above G2 stage accounted for 97.95%,GGT/PLT 0.15(0.10,0.28),AST/PLT 0.14(0.10,0.26),GGT/PLT 0.15(0.10,0.28),AST/PLT 0.14(0.10,0.26).LSM 11.80(8.50,16.65)kPa,FIB-41.39±0.72,APRI 0.35(0.26,0.66),the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).The area under the receiver operator characteristic curves of the subjects of LSM,FIB-4,APRI,GGT/PLT and AST/PLT were 0.716,0.623,0.669,0.644 and 0.669(P<0.05),respectively.In the combined model,the area under the receiver operator characteristic curves of LSM combined with FIB-4,LSM combined with APRI,LSM combined with GGT/PLT and LSM combined with AST/PLT were 0.712,0.719,0.715 and 0.719,respectively(P<0.05).Conclusion:Although the currently commonly used Noninvasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis has certain diagnostic efficacy for significant liver fibrosis in CHB complicated with NAFLD,it cannot replace liver biopsy.Noninvasive Diagnosis can be used as an auxiliary method for regular clinical evaluation of liver biopsy.

Impairment of Myocardial and Skeletal Mitochondria in Mice with Viral Myocarditis and Their Correlation

In order to investigate the impairment of mitochondrial membrane phospholipid local- ization and DNA3867 (mtDNA3867) deletion and the correlation between cardiac and skeletal muscle cells in mice with viral myocarditis, 50 BALB/c mice were divided into two groups randomly. In ex- perimental group (n=40), the mice were intraperitoneally injected with 0.1 mL Eagle liquid with CVB3 (TCID50=108), while in the control group (n=10), the mice were subjected to equal volume of Eagle liquid. The impairment of mitochondrial membrane phospholipid localization and mtDNA3867 deletion rate of cardiac and skeletal muscle were detected separately at day 3, 11 and 24 after injec- tion. The correlation of mitochondrial membrane phospholipid localization and mtDNA3867 deletion rate between cardiac and skeletal muscle cells cells was analyzed using Spearman method. At the day 3 after injection, in both cardiac and skeletal muscle cells, mtDNA3867 deletion rate was significantly higher in experimental group than in control group (P<0.05), but the localization of mitochondrial membrane phospholipid showed no difference between two groups (P>0.05). At day 11 after injec- tion, the mtDNA3867 deletion rate of both cells in experimental group was increased to the peak level (P<0.05), and the impairment of mitochondrial membrane phospholipid localization of both cells also increased markedly in experimental group as compared with control group (P>0.05). At the day 24 after injection, the impairment of mitochondrial membrane phospholipid localization and mtDNA3867 deletion of both cells showed a recovery tendency, but still severer than those at the day 3 after injec- tion (P<0.05). The impairment of mitochondrial membrane phospholipid localization and mtDNA3867 deletion were consistent and synchronistic between cardiac and skeletal muscle cells, and showed good correlations (P<0.05). The impairment of mitochondria plays an important role in the patho- genesis of viral myocarditis, and the skeletal muscle cells might act as a peripheral 'window' to re- flect the mitochondrial damage of cardiac myocytes.

Chinese Society of Cardiology guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of adult fulminant myocarditis

Fulminant myocarditis is an acute diffuse inflammatory disease of myocardium.It is characterized by acute onset,rapid progress and high risk of death.Its pathogenesis involves excessive immune activation of the innate immune system and formation of inflammatory storm.According to China’s practical experience,the adoption of the“life support-based comprehensive treatment regimen”(with mechanical circulation support and immunomodulation therapy as the core)can significantly improve the survival rate and long-term prognosis.Special emphasis is placed on very early identification,very early diagnosis,very early prediction and very early treatment.

Effect of Astragalus Injection on Levels of Blood Selenium and Immunity Function in Children with Viral Myocarditis

Objective: To observe the effect of Astragalus Injection (AD on levels of blood selenium (Se) and cytokines, and T cellular immune function with viral myocarditis (VM) in children. Methods: Eighty children with VM were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group consisted of 38 patients, to whom conventional therapy, including energy mixture, vitamin C and coenzyme Q10, etc. were given. The treated group (n = 42), to whom combination therapy of conventional therapy and Al were given. The levels of blood Se and cytokine, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and also evaluation of T lymphocyte subsets and cardiac function were observed. Results: The results showed that after treatment, the levels of blood Se were significantly higher (P<0.01), while IL-1,IL-6 and TNF-a were significantly lower (P<0.01) than those before treatment in the control group. The left ventricular end diameter (LVED) were significantly decreased (P<0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were significantly increased than those before treatment in the treated group(P<0.01, P<0.05). T lymphocyte subsets got normalized (P<0.01), and compared with the control group, the difference was significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Astragalus membranaceus possesses anti-viral effect, adjusts the balance of cytokine and T cellular immunity, and improves the clinical manifestation and cardiac function. It is an effective approach in treating viral myocarditis.

Comparison study of Mongolian milkvetch root and Indigowood treating murine viral myocarditis

Objective To investigate perfect therapeutic measure of Chinese traditional herbs through observing curative effect of single dose traditional Chinese medicine on murine viral myocarditis(VMC).Method Balb/C mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with diluted solution of coxsackievirus B3(CVB3) , and then were divided into three groups randomly: infected control group, Mongolian milkvetch root treated group; Indigowood treated group. The mice were put to death and their hearts were examined on day 3,5,7,10,14,21 post inoculated, and were stained with hemotoxylin and eosin(HE) to observe myocardial lesions and to estimate myocardial histopathological scores, simultaneously to separate virus from myocardium. In addition, we observed myocardial ultrastructure by electron microscopy on 7th day post inoculated. Result Compared with infected control group, myocardial histopathological scores of both Mongolian milkvetch root treated group from 5th day to 21st day post inoculated and Indigowood treated group on 5th day and 7th day post inoculated showed significant decrease(P< 0.05).Conclusion Mongolian milkvetch root could protect myocardial cells.

Observation on Therapeutic Effects of Shengmai Powder (生脉散)in Treating Acute Viral Myocarditis

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shengmai Powder (SMP, 生脉散) in treating a-cute viral myocarditis objectively. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients with acute viral myocarditis were randomized into the treated group (SMG, n = 64) and the control group(CG, n = 60 ). Such myo-cardial nutrient medicine as ATP, CoA , Vit-C, were given to both groups. And to the treated group, 40 ml of Shengmai Injection per day was given intravenously for 2 weeks, which was followed by oral intake of Shengmai granule, one package three times daily for another 2 weeks in total. The same anti-arrhythmia agents were applied to both groups, and no fructose-1, 6-diphosphate (FDP) for either. Semi-quantitative scoring method was adopted to observe such symptoms as chest stuffiness, palpitation and chest pain before treatment and four weeks after treatment. Meanwhile, EGG, dynamic ECG by Holter monitor, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), serum neutralizing antibody of virus Coxsackie B, cardiac troponin I (cTnl) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) were examined. Results: (1) Compared with the control group, more significant improvement was got in SMG in respects of chest stuffiness, palpitation, chest pain and arrhythmia (P<0.05 or P<0.01). (2) Negative converting rates of cTnl ,cTnT in the two groups were 59.46% vs35.48%, 68.75% vs42.31% respectively ( P<0. 05). (3) LVEDD before and after treatment in SMG was 52. 44 ± 3. 40 mm and 48. 81 ± 2. 23mm respectively, while that in the control group was 52. 31 ± 3. 74 mm and 49. 92 ± 2. 67mm respectively; LVEF before and after treatment in SMG was 60.67 ± 4. 62 % and 65. 02 ± 4. 16 % respectively, while that in the control group was 60.91 ± 4. 26 % and 63. 67 ± 3.17 % . There was obvious improvement in the two parameters in both groups, but the improvement in SMG was superior to that in the control group ( P<0. 05). Conclusion: SMP shows a good effect in improving clinical symptoms and signs, heart function, abnormal ECG and inflammatory injury indexes in patients with acute viral myocarditis.

STUDY ON PERSISTENT INFECTION OF COXSACKIEVIRUSGROUP B IN MURINE MODEL OF CHRONICVIRAL MYOCARDITIS

Objective To investigate the dynamic change of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) in murine model ofchronic myocarditis and revel the molecular mechanism of the persistent infection of the tirus.Methods Strand - specific RT- PCR(ssRT- PCR), quantitative RT- PCR (qRT - PCR) and multiplexRT- PCR(mRT- PCR). Results The positive strand of CVB3 RNA existed in heart tissue up to 3 monthsalthough its amount decreased by 103～4 folds from acute to chronic phase. The negative strand RNA for virusreplication kept its amount on la moleculars per gram heart tissue. Some conserved areas of virus RNA 5’NTRand 3’NTR were lost in chronic phase. Conclusion The virus kept replication during the whole phase ofmyocarditis and speeded down on chronic period in the status of persistent infection. That may be due to theterminal lose of CVB RNA.

Effect of Shengmal Powder(生脉散) on Symptoms and Markers of Inflammatory Damage of Patients with Acute Viral Myocarditis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Sheng-mai Power (SMP) in treating acute viral myocarditis. Methods: 102 patients with acute viral myocarditis were randomized to SMS group (n = 52) and placebo control group (n = 50 ). Semiquantitative integral methods were taken to observe changes of clinical symptoms such as dyspnea, palpitation and chest pain after 4 weeks of treatment, simultaneously EKG, 24h Holter, concentration of serum cardiac troponin-I, cardiac troponin T and neutralizing antibody test to the Coxsackie B virus were determined. Results: Dyspnea improved much more obvious in SMP group than in the placebo

STUDY OF PERSISTENT VIRAL INFECTION IN AN ANIMAL MODEL OF VIRAL MYOCARDITIS BY PCR

Objective To study the role of persistent viral infection in the mechanism of viral myocarditis. Methods A mice model of CVB3m viral myocarditis wes made and the viral RNA in mice myocardium and whole bind sample wes tested by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR ) technique. The pathological changes in mice myocardium were determined. Results De day 3, the viral gene in whole bind and myocardium wes found, which portly became negative on day 8, but the change of myocardial anthology borne obvious. Although the bind specimens wers tested negatively on day 12, the viral gene in mice myocardium remained positive within 120d. Conclusion This study indicates that persistent viral infection plays a role in the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis.

Clinical value of high-dose VitC + immunoglobulin for the treatment of viral myocarditis in children

Objective: To study the clinical value of high-dose VitC + immunoglobulin for the treatment of viral myocarditis in children. Methods: Children who were diagnosed with viral myocarditis in the hospital between May 2014 and March 2017 were selected as the research subjects and divided into two groups by random number table, observation group received high-dose VitC+ immunoglobulin combined with conventional symptomatic and supportive treatment and control group received conventional symptomatic and supportive treatment. The serum levels of myocardial injury indexes, myocardial remodeling indexes and inflammatory response indexes were measured before treatment as well as at 1 week and 2 weeks after treatment. Results: 1 week and 2 weeks after treatment, serum CK-MB, cTnI, MDA, BNP, PINP, ICTP, MMP2, MMP9, TGFβ1, TNF-α, ICAM-1, MIP-1α and IL-17 levels of both groups of patients were significantly lower than those before treatment, and serum CK-MB, cTnI, MDA, BNP, PINP, ICTP, MMP2, MMP9, TGFβ1, TNF-α, ICAM-1, MIP-1α and IL-17 levels of observation group were lower than those of control group. Conclusion: High-dose VitC +immunoglobulin can reduce the myocardial damage and inhibit the myocardial remodeling and inflammatory response in children with viral myocarditis.

Correlation of peripheral blood IL-17A gene polymorphism with myocardial injury and MMPs/TIMPs balance in patients with viral myocarditis

Objective:To study the correlation of peripheral blood IL-17A gene polymorphism with myocardial injury and MMPs/TIMPs balance in patients with viral myocarditis.Methods:A total of 80 patients who were diagnosed with viral myocarditis in Dongguan Branch, Yan'an University Affiliated Hospital between September 2014 and September 2017 were selected as the VMC group of the research, and 100 healthy volunteers who received physical examination in Dongguan Branch, Yan'an University Affiliated Hospital during the same period were selected as the control group of the research. The peripheral blood was collected to determine the IL-17A gene rs2275913 locus polymorphism, and serum was collected to determine the contents of myocardial injury and MMPs/TIMPs indexes.Results: The proportion of IL-17A gene GG genotype of VMC group was lower than that of control group and the proportion of GA+AA genotype was higher than that of control group;serum IL-17, CK-MB, cTnI, sFas, MDA, PINP, ICTP, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 and TIMP2 contents of VMC group were significantly higher than those of control group, and serum IL-17, CK-MB, cTnI, sFas, MDA, PINP, ICTP, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 and TIMP2 contents of patients with GA+AA genotype in VMC group were higher than those of patients with GG genotype.Conclusion: The mutation of the allele G to A in the peripheral blood IL-17A gene rs2275913 locus of patients with viral myocarditis can aggravate myocardial injury and MMPs/TIMPs imbalance.

Effects of Shenmai Injection(参麦注射液)Combined with Meglumine Adenosine Cyclophosphate Injection on Cardiac Function and Peripheral Serum Levels of TNF-α,TGF-β1 and IFN-γ in Patients with Viral Myocarditis

Objective: To explore effects of Shenmai Injection(参麦注射液) combined with Meglumine Adenosine Cyclophosphate Injection on cardiac function and peripheral serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in patients with viral myocarditis.Methods: A total of 70 patients with viral myocarditis admitted in Cardiovascular Medicine Department of our hospital from June 2016 to June 2018 were selected and divided into a control group(treated with Meglumine Adenosine Cyclophosphate Injection) and an observation group(additionally treated with Shenmai Injection(参麦注射液) on the treatment basis of the control group) according to random number method, with 35 cases in each group.Before and after the treatment, cardiac functional indexes like cardiac index(CI), left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) and left ventricular shortening fraction(FS), serum levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1 and IFN-γ, clinical efficacy and adverse reactions occurred in the 2 groups were recorded and compared.Results: Therapeutic effective rate in the observation group was 88.57%, higher than 68.57% in the control group(P < 0.05).After the treatment, cardiac functional indexes like CI, LVEF and FS were higher than those in the control group(P < 0.05).After the treatment, the serum expression levels of TNF-α and TGF-β1 were lower than those in the control group(P < 0.05), while the serum expression level of IFN-γ was higher than that in the control group(P < 0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the adverse reaction rates between the 2 groups(P > 0.05).Conclusion: The treatment of patients with viral myocarditis by Shenmai Injection(参麦注射液) combined with Meglumine Adenosine Cyclophosphate Injection is more effective, reducing inflammation and restoring cardiac function.

Study on the protective effect of adenosine cyclophosphate combined with vitamin C antiviral therapy on myocardial injury in children with viral myocarditis

Objective:TTo study the protective effect of adenosine cyclophosphate combined with vitamin C antiviral therapy on myocardial injury in children with viral myocarditis.Methods: 88 cases of children with viral myocarditis treated in Ningde Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between June 2014 and September 2016 were selected and randomly divided into the intervention group and the control group who received adenosine cyclophosphate combined with vitamin C antiviral therapy and conventional therapy respectively. Serum levels of myocardial injury indexes, antioxidant indexes and collagen metabolism indexes were determined.Results:1 week and 2 weeks after treatment, serum LDH, CK, CK-MB, ET-1, Ang-II, PICP and PINP contents of both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment while SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and HO-1 contents were significantly higher than those before treatment and serum LDH, CK, CK-MB, ET-1, Ang-II, PICP and PINP contents of intervention group were significantly lower than those of control group while SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and HO-1 contents were significantly higher than those of control group.Conclusion: Adenosine cyclophosphate combined with vitamin C therapy for viral myocarditis can reduce myocardial injury and improve collagen metabolism.

Experience in Treating Viral Myocarditis with Master Lei's Huoxue Decoction

Modem medical treatment of viral myocarditis by suppressing viral replication and improving cardiomyocyte metabolism has a good effect on the acute infectious period of viral myocarditis,but the curative rate is poor,especially the sequelae of viral myocarditis,which often lingers for years to decades.The use of traditional Chinese medicine can achieve a certain curative effect by promoting the positive and dispelling evil spirits as well as balancing yin and yang.After long-term observation,it is found to have clear eff ect on improving myocardial injury caused by viral myocarditis.

Research progress of viral sepsis:etiology,pathophysiology,diagnosis,and treatment

Sepsis is a common systemic disease characterized by various physiological and pathological disorders.It can result from infection by various pathogens,such as bacteria,viruses,and fungi.The rate of culture-negative sepsis is almost 42%,indicating that most patients may have nonbacterial infections.With the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019,viral sepsis has attracted growing attention because many critically ill patients develop sepsis.Viral sepsis can be caused by viral infections and combined with,or secondary to,bacterial infections.Understanding the common types of viral sepsis and the main characteristics of its pathogenesis will be helpful for effective diagnosis and treatment,thereby reducing mortality.Early identification of the causative agent of viral sepsis can help reduce the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics.In this article,we reviewed the common viruses of sepsis,their potential pathophysiology,targets of diagnosis,and remedies for viral sepsis.

SARS-CoV-2 induced myocarditis:Current knowledge about its molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms

The existence of an inflammatory process in the heart muscle,related to a progressive worsening of myocardial function,different etiopathogenetic mechanisms concur and often overlap,thus making the diagnosis and the therapeutic approach complex.As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses,the effects of the disease on the organ systems and in particular on the cardiovascular system are becoming more and more profound.Cardiac involvement is a well-known event with a high percentage of findings in the heart’s magnetic field,even in asymptomatic areas.There are numerous uncertainties regarding their evolution,in the long and short term,due not only to a difficult to determine the varied clinical expression and the rarely performed intramyocardial biopsy which additionally presents diagnostic problems but also in part to different clinical prognosis.Today,the new SARS-CoV-2 virus that uses the angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2)which is present at high levels in myocardial cells as its entrance it can create even severe heart injury.The pathophysiology in all of these cases can involve multiple immune and non-immune mechanisms within organs and vessels and can be occur in the clinical phases.Possible mechanisms of direct and indirect myocardial infarction in patients with COVID-19 include additional lesion and oxygen-rich and generalized inflammation response with myocardial immune hyperactivity(myocarditis).Therefore,these can occur through the excessive release of cytokines,the presence of thrombocytopenia,endocrine damage,heart failure,arrhythmias and more.Patients can show average signs of myocardial damage,and some develop spontaneous cardiac complications,such as heart failure,arrhythmias and,rarely,rare cardiogenic disorders.Pathophysiology in all of these may involve multiple mechanisms within the cytokine cephalic membrane,endocrine damage and thrombogenicity.The diagnosis of this myocardial injuri is mainly based on the myocardial enzyme troponin.This viewpoint paper explains today’s knowledge on viral myocarditis,in particular that from SARS-CoV-2 infection,if there is a connection with other possible biomolecular pathogenetic factors that can influence its natural course.In fact,it is for this reason that the pathogenetic mechanisms are analyzed and described.At the same time,its possible interaction with other parameters that are documented risk factors for cardiovascular disease was examined.Although these biomolecular findings were mainly related to necrotic parts of the myocardium,it is important to recognize that myocardial damage early for a better approach and prognosis.

Update on the laboratory diagnosis and monitoring of HIV infection

In China, the estimated number of HIV infected cases is approaching one million. Although public education has been initiated for awareness and behavioral modification for this devastating infection, better diagnostic methods are needed to identify infected persons and manage infection. Simple and more accurate diagnostic tools have become available, particularly for early detection and to monitor treatment in those who receive anti-retroviral treatment. In this short review, we summarize some of the common and new methodologies that can be used in clinical laboratories, in the field, or in private laboratories. These range from simple antibody tests to more sophistical methods that are used to monitor disease progression and identify drug resistance. These tools can assist physicians, medical practitioners, and laboratory personnel to select suitable diagnostic tools for the diagnosis, blood screening, monitoring of disease progression, and for detection of drug resistance to anti-retroviral therapies.

Frontiers of COVID-19-related myocarditis as assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection.In some patients,COVID-19 is complicated with myocarditis.Early detection of myocardial injury and timely intervention can significantly improve the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients.Although endomyocardial biopsy(EMB)is currently recognized as the‘gold standard’for the diagnosis of myocarditis,there are large sampling errors,many complications and a lack of unified diagnostic criteria.In addition,the clinical methods of treating acute and chronic COVID-19-related myocarditis are different.Cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)can evaluate the morphology of the heart,left and right ventricular functions,myocardial perfusion,capillary leakage and myocardial interstitial fibrosis to provide a noninvasive and radiation-free diagnostic basis for the clinical detection,efficacy and risk assessment,and followup observation of COVID-19-related myocarditis.However,for the diagnosis of COVID-19-related myocarditis,the Lake Louise Consensus Criteria may not be fully applicable.COVID-19-related myocarditis is different from myocarditis related to other viral infections in terms of signal intensity and lesion location as assessed by CMR,which is used to visualize myocardial damage,locate lesions and quantify pathological changes based on various sequences.Therefore,the standardized application of CMR to timely and accurately evaluate heart injury in COVID-19-related myocarditis and develop rational treatment strategies could be quite effective in improving the prognosis of patients and preventing potential late-onset effects in convalescent patients with COVID-19.