SARS-CoV-2 surreptitiously injures the heart of Japanese: echocardiography is useful in evaluating cardiac damage

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a threat worldwide over a year after the outbreak. Recently, several studies have reported that elevated serum troponin, which reflects myocardial injury, has a significant impact on worsening cardiovascular disease and the death of patients with COVID-19. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography revealed abnormal myocardial findings in patients with COVID-19 who have recovered, as exemplified by a slight elevation of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT). This editorial will discuss the impacts of SARS-CoV-2 on the heart of Japanese patients during infection and recovery and future perspectives.