RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 SARS-CoV-2 infection and return to play in junior competitive athletes: is systematic cardiac screening needed?
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 264
OP 270
DO 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104764
VO 56
IS 5
A1 Cavigli, Luna
A1 Cillis, Michele
A1 Mochi, Veronica
A1 Frascaro, Federica
A1 Mochi, Nicola
A1 Hajdarevic, Arnel
A1 Roselli, Alessandra
A1 Capitani, Massimo
A1 Alvino, Federico
A1 Giovani, Silvia
A1 Lisi, Corrado
A1 Cappellini, Maria Teresa
A1 Colloca, Rosa Anna
A1 Mandoli, Giulia Elena
A1 Valente, Serafina
A1 Focardi, Marta
A1 Cameli, Matteo
A1 Bonifazi, Marco
A1 D'Ascenzi, Flavio
YR 2022
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/56/5/264.abstract
AB Background SARS-CoV-2 infection might be associated with cardiac complications in low-risk populations, such as in competitive athletes. However, data obtained in adults cannot be directly transferred to preadolescents and adolescents who are less susceptible to adverse clinical outcomes and are often asymptomatic.Objectives We conducted this prospective multicentre study to describe the incidence of cardiovascular complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large cohort of junior athletes and to examine the effectiveness of a screening protocol for a safe return to play.Methods Junior competitive athletes suffering from asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection underwent cardiac screening, including physical examination, 12-lead resting ECG, echocardiogram and exercise ECG testing. Further investigations were performed in cases of abnormal findings.Results A total of 571 competitive junior athletes (14.3±2.5 years) were evaluated. About half of the population (50.3%) was mildly symptomatic during SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the average duration of symptoms was 4±1 days. Pericardial involvement was found in 3.2% of junior athletes: small pericardial effusion (2.6%), moderate pericardial effusion (0.2%) and pericarditis (0.4%). No relevant arrhythmias or myocardial inflammation was found in subjects with pericardial involvement. Athletes with pericarditis or moderate pericardial effusion were temporarily disqualified, and a gradual return to play was achieved after complete clinical resolution.Conclusions The prevalence of cardiac involvement was low in junior athletes after asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. A screening strategy primarily driven by cardiac symptoms should detect cardiac involvement from SARS-CoV-2 infection in most junior athletes. Systematic echocardiographic screening is not recommended in junior athletes.Data are available upon reasonable request.