A lethal case of influenza and type 5 cardiorenal syndrome

Interactions between the heart and kidneys have been labeled as the cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Type-5 CRS describes a disease that simultaneously damages both organs. With severe infection, systemic inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and IL-1β) cause wide-spread endothelial dysfunction, cellular apoptosis, and depressed organ function. Impaired myocardial function promotes worsening renal function and vice versa, leading to a dangerous positive feedback loop. Influenza viruses cause both myocardial and kidney injury, presumably through an immune-mediated mechanism. Herein we present a lethal case of influenza, resulting in acute type V cardiorenal syndrome.