Transient Type 1 Brugada Pattern without Ongoing Fever during COVID-19 Pneumonia

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• COVID-19 pneumonia is associated with cardiac complications.
• Patients may be susceptible to proarrhythmia due to fever, stress, electrolyte imbalances, and antiviral medications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a transient Brugada-like electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern in a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia.
• To investigate potential direct effects of SARS-CoV-2 on myocardial ion channels.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 57-year-old male admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring to assess cardiac electrical activity.
• Clinical evaluation for fever, syncope, and family history of sudden cardiac death.

Main Results:

• A transient Brugada-like ECG pattern was observed in the patient.
• The patient did not present with ongoing fever, syncope, or a history of sudden cardiac death.
• The observed ECG pattern resolved during the course of the illness.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 pneumonia can manifest with cardiac problems, including arrhythmias.
• A transient Brugada-like ECG pattern can occur in non-febrile COVID-19 patients.
• SARS-CoV-2 may directly affect myocardial ion channels, leading to ECG abnormalities.