ST Elevation in a Patient With COVID-19 Infection-Associated Fever: A Case of Brugada Pattern

Guruprasad Mahadevaiah1, Abdul Aleem2, Antonio Secaira3

  • 1Pediatric Cardiology, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Sacramento, USA.

Cureus
|July 24, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study highlights how fever from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can unmask Brugada pattern, a heart rhythm abnormality. Early recognition is crucial for patient care and healthcare worker safety.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic with diverse cardiovascular effects.
  • Brugada pattern, characterized by ST-segment elevation (STE), is recognized in febrile illnesses.

Observation:

  • A patient with COVID-19 infection presented with STE.
  • The STE was attributed to a fever-induced unmasking of an underlying Brugada pattern.

Findings:

  • Fever associated with COVID-19 can unmask latent Brugada pattern.
  • This cardiac manifestation requires careful consideration in clinical management.

Implications:

  • Recognizing fever-induced Brugada pattern in COVID-19 patients is critical for appropriate patient management.
  • Early identification aids in reducing healthcare professional exposure to infection by guiding conservative treatment strategies.

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
359
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
160
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
2.2K
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
277
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...
611
Patterns of Fever01:26

Patterns of Fever

Before understanding the types and patterns of fever, it is essential to know its phases.
3.5K