Unveiling Cardiovascular Impacts: New Insights into Monkeypox Virus Outbreak
Aug 21, 2024
2024/8/16
This study provides an overview of the cardiovascular manifestations in the recent outbreak of the monkeypox virus (Mpox). It systematically reviews cases reported in 2022, focusing on how the virus affects the heart and its implications for patient treatment.
1. The study analyzed 2298 records, leading to the inclusion of 9 patients from 7 papers.
2. Key cardiovascular conditions included myocarditis, pericarditis, myopericarditis, and atrial fibrillation.
3. Most patients showed abnormal ECG results and elevated troponin levels.
4. All patients recovered from their cardiovascular symptoms, with only three requiring ICU admission.
5. The study suggests performing cardiovascular examinations for suspected Mpox patients to exclude heart-related issues.
Cited from: Cardiovascular manifestations of monkeypox virus outbreak: An overview of the reported cases
Introduction
The recent outbreak of monkeypox, a zoonotic DNA virus related to the orthopoxvirus family, has raised concerns due to its potential cardiovascular impacts. This virus, historically endemic in parts of Africa, has been declared a global emergency by the WHO, prompting a deeper investigation into its manifestations beyond the typical rash and fever.
Most notably, the outbreak has seen an unexpected rise in cardiovascular complications among patients. This paper aims to systematically review these cases, providing a comprehensive understanding of the virus’s impact on the heart, which may inform future clinical practices and patient care strategies.
Method
The study utilized the PRISMA checklist for conducting systematic reviews, ensuring a rigorous and structured approach. An extensive search was conducted across five major databases on October 20, 2022, focusing exclusively on publications from the year of the new outbreak, 2022.
The search strategy included various keywords related to monkeypox and cardiovascular conditions, aiming to gather all relevant literature. After removing duplicates, records were screened through titles, abstracts, and full texts, supervised by experienced authors to ensure comprehensive data collection.
Result
1. Myocarditis Cases
The study identified six cases of myocarditis among the monkeypox patients. These cases were characterized by elevated troponin levels and abnormal ECG results, indicating significant heart muscle inflammation. Notably, these patients were predominantly male and presented with symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnea.
Further diagnostic imaging, including ECHO and CMR, confirmed the presence of myocarditis, although not all patients showed abnormalities in these tests. Despite the severity of myocarditis, all patients recovered without fatalities, highlighting the importance of early detection and management. The myocarditis cases were carefully monitored with the use of ECG and troponin levels, which are crucial in assessing heart function and detecting myocardial injury.
The findings underline the potential of the monkeypox virus to induce myocarditis in infected individuals. However, the recovery of all patients involved in this study suggests that with timely medical intervention and appropriate management, the prognosis can be favorable. This outcome emphasizes the necessity for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring cardiac symptoms in patients diagnosed with monkeypox. The conclusion of this result indicates that myocarditis, while serious, can be effectively managed in Mpox patients.
2. Pericarditis and Myopericarditis
The study reported one case each of pericarditis and myopericarditis, both associated with monkeypox infection. These conditions involve inflammation of the pericardium, with the latter also affecting heart muscle tissue. Patients exhibited typical symptoms such as chest tightness and decreased exercise tolerance.
Diagnosis was supported by imaging and clinical findings, and both cases were managed successfully, with patients making full recoveries. This suggests that these cardiovascular conditions, while concerning, are not typically life-threatening when associated with monkeypox. The management of these conditions involved monitoring vital signs, conducting necessary imaging tests, and administering appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
The successful recovery of patients with pericarditis and myopericarditis highlights the effectiveness of current medical strategies in dealing with such conditions when they arise in the context of monkeypox. This finding is encouraging and suggests that with appropriate medical care, these inflammatory conditions can be resolved without leading to severe health outcomes. Effective management leads to recovery in pericarditis and myopericarditis cases linked to Mpox.
3. Atrial Fibrillation
A single case of atrial fibrillation was observed in the study, characterized by an irregular, often rapid heartbeat. This condition was noted alongside other cardiovascular manifestations in the patient, who also had comorbidities such as HIV and syphilis.
Despite the complexity added by these comorbidities, the patient’s atrial fibrillation was managed effectively, and recovery was achieved without long-term complications. This underscores the importance of comprehensive care that addresses both viral and existing health issues. The management approach included controlling the heart rate and rhythm and addressing the underlying viral infection, as well as any other comorbid conditions.
The positive outcome in treating atrial fibrillation in this monkeypox patient demonstrates the capability of current medical practices to manage complex cases with multiple health issues. It reinforces the importance of personalized care plans that consider the patient’s overall health status, ensuring that both the viral infection and any coexisting conditions are adequately addressed. Atrial fibrillation in Mpox patients can be managed successfully, even with comorbidities.
Conclusion
This study highlights the cardiovascular complications associated with the monkeypox virus, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and early intervention. The findings reveal that while cardiovascular manifestations can occur, they are generally mild and manageable. As global awareness and research continue, future developments may further elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols for affected patients. The mild nature of cardiovascular involvement in Mpox suggests promising management outcomes.
