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Published on: February 11, 2022
High-degree atrioventricular block in COVID-19 hospitalized patients
Lilas Dagher1, Bassam Wanna1, Ghiath Mikdadi2
1Tulane University, Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Insights
COVID-19 can cause heart rhythm problems. This study found that some patients developed temporary high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, which resolved without permanent pacemakers, suggesting conservative management for these cardiac complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is known to impact the cardiovascular system.
- Cardiac arrhythmias are frequently observed in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Observation:
- This case series details four patients with COVID-19 who experienced a transient high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block during hospitalization.
- None of the four patients required permanent pacing for their condition.
Findings:
- High-degree atrioventricular (AV) block associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to be transient.
- The observed AV blocks did not necessitate long-term cardiac pacing.
Implications:
- Conservative management strategies are recommended for COVID-19 patients presenting with complete heart block.
- The transient nature of AV block in these cases suggests a likely reversible cause, possibly related to the viral infection itself.
Aims:
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has shown the potential to significantly affect the cardiovascular system. Cardiac arrhythmias are commonly reported complications in COVID-19 hospitalized patients.
Methods And Results:
While tachyarrhythmias seem most common, we describe four cases of COVID-19 patients who developed a transient high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block during the course of their hospitalization. All four patients who developed a high-degree AV block during their hospitalization with COVID-19 did not require permanent pacing.
Conclusion:
Similarly to most AV blocks associated with infectious organisms and given its transient nature, this case series suggests that conservative management strategies should be preferred in COVID-19 patients who develop complete heart block.
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