Diagnosis of Acute Myocarditis Following mRNA Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2: A Methodological Review

Abstract

The occurrence of acute myocarditis following the administration of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 remains relatively rare, and it is associated with a very low mortality rate. The incidence varied by vaccine type, sex, and age and after the first, second, or third vaccination dose. However, the diagnosis of this condition often remains challenging. To further elucidate the relationship between myocarditis and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, starting with two cases observed at the Cardiology Unit of the West Vicenza General Hospital located in the Veneto Region, which was among the first Italian areas hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, we performed a review of the available literature to highlight the clinical and diagnostic elements that could contribute to suspicion of myocarditis as an adverse event of SARS-CoV-2 immunization.