Sports participation and myocarditis: Influence of sport types on disease severity

Abstract

Objective: To study, in the context of acute myocarditis (AM) in sportsmen, the association between the category of sport practiced and the severity of AM. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Single tertiary center. Patients: 82 sportspeople (≥2.5 h of sport per week) who presented an AM. Assessment of Risk Factors: The type of sport activity before AM were collected. Main Outcome Measures: Complicated AM was defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction <50% or the use of inotropic drugs or ventricular assist device. Results: Mean age was 29 ± 9 year-old, 77 (94%) were men. Sixteen (20%) had a complicated AM. Practicing sport over 6 h a week or a Mitchell’s Class IIIA sport were associated with complicated AM (44 vs. 17%, p = 0.019 and 38 vs. 11%, p = 0.008, respectively). Practicing a Mitchell’s Class IC sport was associated with uncomplicated AM (6 vs. 38%, p = 0.008). Conclusion: In sportspeople's AM, the pattern of sport activity (static or dynamic component, practice intensity) is associated with the disease’s severity.

Keywords

• Sport
• Myocarditis
• Mitchell’s Classification