PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The clinical syndrome of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic leading to significant morbidity and mortality . Cardiac dysfunction is commonly seen in these patients, often presenting as clinical heart failure . Accordingly, we aim to provide a comprehensive review on COVID-19 myocarditis and its long-term heart failure sequelae .

RECENT FINDINGS: Several suspected cases of COVID-19 myocarditis have been reported . It is often not clear if the acute myocardial dysfunction is caused by myocarditis or secondary to generalized inflammatory state of cytokine release or microvascular thrombotic angiopathy . Ischemia may also need to be ruled out . Regardless, myocardial dysfunction in these patients is associated with poor overall prognosis . Laboratory testing, echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and even endomyocardial biopsy may be needed for timely diagnosis . Several treatment strategies have been described, including both supportive and targeted therapies .

SUMMARY: COVID-19 can cause a spectrum of ventricular dysfunction ranging from mild disease to fulminant myocarditis with hemodynamic instability . Future research is needed to understand the true prevalence of COVID-19 myocarditis, as well as to better define various diagnostic protocols and treatment strategies.