Similarities and differences between myocarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and multiple inflammatory syndrome with cardiac involvement in children

Amodio, D.; Pascucci, G. R.; Cotugno, N.; Rossetti, C.; Manno, E. C.; Pighi, C.; Morrocchi, E.; D'Alessandro, A.; Perrone, M. A.; Valentini, A.; Franceschini, A.; Chinali, M.; Deodati, A.; Azzari, C.; Rossi, P.; Cianfarani, S.; Andreani, M.; Porzio, O.; Palma, P.

doi:10.1016/j.clim.2023.109751

Despite the multiple benefits of vaccination, cardiac adverse Events Following COVID-19 Immunization (c-AEFI) have been reported. These events as well as the severe cardiac involvement reported in Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) appear more frequent in young adult males. Herein, we firstly report on the inflammatory profiles of patients experiencing c-AEFI in comparison with age, pubertal age and gender matched MIS-C with cardiac involvement. Proteins related to systemic inflammation were found higher in MIS-C compared to c-AEFI, whereas a higher level in proteins related to myocardial injury was found in c-AEFI. In addition, higher levels of DHEAS, DHEA, and cortisone were found in c-AEFI which persisted at follow-up. No anti-heart muscle and anti-endothelial cell antibodies have been detected. Overall current comparative data showed a distinct inflammatory and androgens profile in c-AEFI patients which results to be well restricted on heart and to persist months after the acute event.

Similarities and differences between myocarditis following COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and multiple inflammatory syndrome with cardiac involvement in children / Amodio D., Pascucci G.R., Cotugno N., Rossetti C., Manno E.C., Pighi C., Morrocchi E., D'Alessandro A., Perrone M.A., Valentini A., Franceschini A., Chinali M., Deodati A., Azzari C., Rossi P., Cianfarani S., Andreani M., Porzio O., Palma P.. - In: CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. - ISSN 1521-6616. - STAMPA. - 255:(2023), pp. 109751.0-109751.0. [10.1016/j.clim.2023.109751]