Effect of Coronavirus Disease-2019 Infection on Left Atrial Functions.

OBJECTIVE

Left atrial (LA) dysfunction is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular events, and various pathologies may affect LA function. Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global pandemic causing morbidity and mortality. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate LA functions in patients who recovered from COVID-19.

METHODS

Sixty consecutive patients recovered from COVID-19 and 60 healthy individuals as a control group were included in the study. Blood samples and echocardiography measurements were obtained from each subject. The two groups were compared in terms of demographic and echocardiographic characteristics.

RESULTS

In the COVİD-19 group, LA maximum volume (LAV) ( = 0.040), LA pre-A volume (LAVpre-A) ( = 0.014), and LA active emptying fraction ( = 0.027) were higher, while LA passive emptying fraction ( = 0.035) was lower. In addition, left ventricular ejection fraction ( = 0.006) and isovolumetric relaxation time ( = 0.008) were decreased in this group. Although LA volume index was higher in the COVID-19 group, it does not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

LA functions may be impaired in patients recovered from COVID-19 infection.