Importância da avaliação cardiovascular em futebolistas no pós-covid: um estudo de casos

Abstract

Introduction: In the case of high-performance athletes, the COVID-19 pandemic raised questions about the risk of cardiovascular diseases in those previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Myocarditis appears as a possible sequela after a viral infection in this population, which must undergo an evaluation in order to research cardiovascular evidence and which pathways allow a safe return to the sport. Methods: Descriptive observational study of case series, which brought together professional soccer athletes in the post-COVID. These were submitted to detailed physical examination, evaluation with electrocardiogram (ECG) at rest, exercise test and answered a questionnaire about the symptoms presented at the time they had COVID-19. Criteria were defined for the selection of athletes for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in the search for signs suggestive of myocarditis. Results: The study evaluated 17 male professional soccer players in the post-COVID period, all classified as asymptomatic (29.4%) and mild symptomatic (70.6%). From the clinical examination, resting ECG and Erg, five athletes (29.4%) were considered eligible for CMR, and pericardial effusion was detected in 40.0% (n=2) and late enhancement areas in 20.0% (n=1), compatible with myocardial fibrosis and with an aspect suggestive of previous inflammatory insult scar (myocarditis). Conclusions: The importance of a cardiac examination before returning to sports practice after resolution of the acute picture of COVID-19 is observed, even in asymptomatic and mild cases.