SARS-CoV-2 infection and return to play in junior competitive athletes: is systematic cardiac screening needed?

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection might be associated with cardiac complications in low-risk populations, such as in competitive athletes. However, data obtained in adults cannot be directly transferred to preadolescents and adolescents who are less susceptible to adverse clinical outcomes and are often asymptomatic.

Objectives: We conducted this prospective multicentre study to describe the incidence of cardiovascular complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large cohort of junior athletes and to examine the effectiveness of a screening protocol for a safe return to play.

Age-dependent diagnostic yield of echocardiography as a second-line diagnostic investigation in athletes with abnormalities at preparticipation screening.

Aims: Systematic pre-participation screening of subjects practicing sports activity has the potential to identify athletes at risk of sudden cardiac death. However, limited evidence are present concerning the yield of echocardiography as a second-line exam in athletes with abnormal pre-participation screening.

Methods: Consecutive athletes were screened (2011-2017) in a community-based sports medicine center in Tuscany, with familial history, physical examination and ECG.