Fatal arrhythmia associated with novel coronavirus 2019 infection: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Rationale: The novel coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19) has inflicted significant harm on the cardiovascular system. Patients presenting with fatal chronic arrhythmias after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are rare, arrhythmia caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection need to be taken seriously.

Patient concerns: Three female patients were admitted to the hospital with syncopal symptoms. Previously, they had been identified to have COVID-19 infection and none of the patients had a preexisting history of arrhythmia, and upon hospital admission, no electrolyte imbalances associated with arrhythmias were observed. However, following SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients exhibit varying degrees of syncope symptoms.

Diagnoses: A high-degree atrioventricular block was diagnosed after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's clinical manifestations and electrocardiogram (ECG) performance.

Interventions: We performed ECG monitoring of the patient and excluded other causes of arrhythmia. The patient was discharged from the hospital after permanent pacemaker implantation and symptomatic treatment.

Outcomes: The outpatient follow-ups did not reveal a recurrence of syncope or complications related to the pacemaker in any of the three patients.

Lessons: Some patients did not exhibit any obvious respiratory symptoms or signs following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This suggests that the cardiac conduction system may be the preferred target for some SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, in addition to investigating the causes of malignant arrhythmias, special attention should be paid to SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with developing arrhythmias. Additionally, permanent pacemaker implantation may be the most suitable option for patients who already have malignant arrhythmias.