Virginia Research Day 2021

Medical Student Research Cl inical

08 Cardiac Pathology Following COVID-19 Infection in Division 1 Athletes

Brett Brodsky, OMS III; Austin Wood, OMS I; Mark Rogers, DO, CAQSM, FAAFP, FAOASM; Jose Rivero, MD, FACC Corresponding author: bbrodsky@vcom.edu

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in competitive athletes during sports and exercise. Historical data indicate that the majority of SCA is attributable to genetic or congenital diseases of the cardiovascular system and serves as the basis for pre-participation cardiovascular screening prior to competitive athletics. Preliminary data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may change the risks of SCA among competitive athletes in the near future. Emerging evidence indicates potential concern for and increased risk of cardiovascular complications among COVID-19 patients, including pathology known to increase SCA risk such latent myocarditis Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia Campus Virginia Tech Sports Medicine Carilion Clinic

and myocardial scarring. At present, data defining the results of cardiovascular screening in athletes afflicted with COVID-19 are lacking. To inform the process of resuming competitive athletics in those who have had a COVID-19 infection, while also maintaining the health and safety of athletes, there is a need for the rigorous collection of data derived from the on-going clinical care of athletes. This year, Virginia Tech Athletics medical staff performed screening electrocardiograms (EKGs) prior to any athletic trainings when student athletes returned to campus in conjunction with their pre-participation evaluation. In addition, following a COVID-19 diagnosis, prior to

clearance for return to athletics activities, we repeated the EKG, in addition, obtained serum biomarkers (Complete Blood Count (CBC), Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP), Troponin, C Reactive Protein (CRP), and an echocardiogram to evaluate, and determine the prevalence for any cardiovascular pathology that may be related to COVID-19 infection.

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