Unusual Cardiac Presentation of COVID-19 and Use of Convalescent Plasma

William R Hartman1, Aaron S Hess1,2, Joseph P Connor2

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, USA.

Insights

COVID-19 can cause heart problems. This case study shows that convalescent plasma may help resolve cardiac issues like ectopy in severe COVID-19 patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) is linked to cardiac complications, including conduction abnormalities.
  • Convalescent plasma is being explored as a treatment for severe COVID-19.
  • Cardiac ectopy is an irregular heartbeat that can occur with viral infections.

Observation:

  • A patient with severe COVID-19 developed new-onset cardiac ectopy.
  • The patient received a transfusion of convalescent plasma.

Findings:

  • The patient experienced near complete resolution of cardiac sequelae after convalescent plasma transfusion.
  • This suggests a potential benefit of convalescent plasma in managing COVID-19-associated cardiac issues.

Implications:

  • Convalescent plasma may be a viable therapeutic option for cardiac manifestations of COVID-19.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and mechanisms of convalescent plasma in treating COVID-19 cardiac complications.
  • This case highlights the importance of monitoring cardiac health in COVID-19 patients.

Related Concept Videos

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...
137
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
266
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
315
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
158
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
93
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
218