Congenital heart disease in a patient with COVID-19 infection during early pregnancy: a case report

Egypt Heart J. 2022 Aug 27;74(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s43044-022-00295-5.

Abstract

Background: Since the end of 2019, the world has been afflicted by a coronavirus pandemic caused by coronavirus 2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome) (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 causes a wide range of signs and symptoms with varying consequences. The impact of the COVID-19 infection on pregnant women and their fetuses is still under investigation.

Case presentation: A case of a 34-years-old non-vaccinated pregnant woman who had a COVID-19 infection in the first month of her pregnancy and went into premature labor at 34 weeks was reported. Congenital heart disease and hydrops were present in the fetus. The infant girl was cyanotic after delivery, experienced bradycardia, and was in poor overall condition; she was admitted to the NICU and died 5 days later.

Conclusions: Some theories suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus. Congenital abnormalities can be caused by a variety of viruses. Although, congenital heart diseases can occur due to different causes, we suggest that COVID-19 may play a role in the development of congenital heart defects.

Keywords: COVID-19; Case report; Congenital heart disease; Pregnancy.