Characteristic Electrocardiographic Manifestations in Patients With COVID-19
Jia He1, Bo Wu2, Yaqin Chen1
1Department of Cardiology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Insights
Severe COVID-19 can cause serious heart issues, leading to distinct electrocardiogram (ECG) changes like heart blocks and dangerous arrhythmias. These cardiac manifestations are likely due to viral-induced hypoxia and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac involvement is a known complication of COVID-19.
- Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes can indicate cardiac dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.
- Understanding these ECG manifestations is crucial for managing severe disease.
Observation:
- Two patients with severe COVID-19 presented with distinct and significant electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities.
- The first case showed transient SIQIIITIII morphology and a reversible atrioventricular block.
- The second case exhibited ST-segment elevation and multifocal ventricular tachycardia.
Findings:
- Severe COVID-19 can manifest with diverse and critical ECG changes.
- Observed ECG abnormalities included atrioventricular block and ventricular tachycardia.
- These manifestations suggest significant cardiac impact during severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Implications:
- ECG monitoring is essential for detecting cardiac involvement in severe COVID-19.
- Hypoxia and direct viral inflammatory damage are potential mechanisms for these ECG changes.
- Recognizing these patterns can aid in timely diagnosis and treatment of cardiac complications in COVID-19.
Abstract:
Cardiac involvement has been reported in patients with COVID-19, which may be reflected by electrocardiographic (ECG) changes. Two COVID-19 cases in our report exhibited different ECG manifestations as the disease caused deterioration. The first case presented temporary SIQIIITIII morphology followed by reversible nearly complete atrioventricular block, and the second demonstrated ST-segment elevation accompanied by multifocal ventricular tachycardia. The underlying mechanisms of these ECG abnormalities in the severe stage of COVID-19 may be attributed to hypoxia and inflammatory damage incurred by the virus.
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