SARS-COV-2 infection presenting as ST-elevationmyocardial infarction.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can manifest with diverse clinical presentations.
• Cardiac complications, including acute cardiogenic shock, are recognized but less common manifestations of SARS-CoV-2.

Observation:

• A patient presented with chest discomfort and anterolateral ST elevation, rapidly progressing to acute cardiogenic shock.
• The patient was identified as a potential "patient zero" upon arrival at the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
• Initial diagnostic workup for SARS-CoV-2 yielded two negative results, complicating the diagnostic process.

Findings:

• Despite initial negative tests, high clinical suspicion based on occupational history prompted further investigation.
• The patient was ultimately diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirmed through additional testing.
• The case highlights the potential for SARS-CoV-2 to cause severe cardiac events.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with acute cardiac syndromes, even with initial negative testing.
• Healthcare providers must maintain a high index of suspicion for infectious etiologies in emergent cardiac presentations.
• The case emphasizes the need for robust infection control protocols in cardiac catheterization laboratories when managing potentially infectious patients.