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

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.