Cardiorenal syndrome in COVID-19

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Apr 23;14(4):e241914. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-241914.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 preferentially targets the human's lungs, but it can affect multiple organ systems. We report a case of cardiorenal syndrome in a 37-year-old man who had symptoms of fever, myalgia and cough. He tested positive for COVID-19 and presented 5 days later with acute heart failure. Work up was done including echocardiography showing reduced ejection fraction. Later in the hospital course he developed acute renal failure and was treated with intermittent renal replacement therapy. No other definite cause of cardiorenal complications was identified during the course of the disease. A possible link with COVID-19 was considered with underlying mechanisms still needed to be explored. This case highlights the potential of SARS-CoV-2 affecting heart and kidneys. The disease not only involves the organs directly but can exacerbate the underlying comorbid illness.

Keywords: COVID-19; heart failure; infectious diseases; renal system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • Cardio-Renal Syndrome* / virology
  • Humans
  • Male