Cardiovascular complications in vascular connective tissue disorders after COVID-19 infection and vaccination

by Anthony L. Guerrerio, Allyson Mateja, Gretchen MacCarrick, Jonathan Fintzi, Erica Brittain, Pamela A. Frischmeyer-Guerrerio, Harry C. Dietz

Background

COVID-19 infection and vaccination have been reported to confer an elevated risk for cardiovascular events (CVE). We sought to determine whether individuals with an underlying vascular connective tissue disorder including Marfan syndrome (MFS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), or vascular Ehlers Danlos syndrome (vEDS) are at increased risk for cardiac events after COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Methods

325 respondents self-reported data through a cross-sectional, web-based survey available from 22 November 2021, through 15 March 2022 regarding COVID-19 illness and vaccinations, the occurrence of any CVE, and adverse events following vaccination. The data were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model with time varying indicators for COVID-19 illness/vaccination in the preceding 30 days.

Results

COVID-19 illness was significantly associated with an increased rate of a new abnormal heart rhythm 30 days following infection. No other CVEs were reported in the 90 days after COVID-19 illness. We did not find evidence of an increased rate of any CVE in the 30 days following any COVID-19 vaccination dose.

Conclusion

In respondents with MFS, LDS, or vEDS, we uncovered no evidence of an increase in CVEs in the 30 days following COVID-19 illness, with the possible exception of dysrhythmia. In light of the absence of a substantial increase in self-reported CVEs in the 30 days following COVID-19 vaccination, these data are in keeping with the recommendation from the Marfan Foundation Professional Advisory Board that all eligible persons be vaccinated for COVID-19.