More on Myocarditis and Pericarditis after COVID-19 Vaccination

Elevated but very low incidences of myocarditis and pericarditis are shown after COVID-19 vaccination.

COVID-19 is known to affect the heart, although the incidence of adverse cardiac effects is probably lower than first reported. The mechanism is likely multifactorial, but autoimmune-mediated toxicity is a plausible factor. COVID-19 vaccination may also affect the heart; associations between mRNA vaccination and myocarditis and pericarditis have been indicated in case reports (NEJM JW Cardiol Sep 2020 and JAMA Cardiol 2021 Jun 29; [e-pubs]).

In an electronic medical record review across 40 hospitals in the western U.S., researchers found that the average number of monthly cases of myocarditis (or myopericarditis) rose significantly from 16.9 during a prevaccination period (Jan. 2019–Jan. 2021) to 27.3 after vaccination began (Feb.–May 2021).…

Reviewing Author

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate

Mark S. Link, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsCirculation; UpToDate

More on Myocarditis and Pericarditis after COVID-19 Vaccination

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