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Cardiac Abnormalities in COVID-19 Patients: Should a Cardiac Echocardiogram be Routine?

Carina Ramalho1, Mariana Almeida1, Francisco Gomes1

  • 1Centro Hospitalar Barreiro Montijo, Barreiro, Portugal.

European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|June 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Patients with COVID-19 and heart failure face higher risks of left ventricular thrombi. Early echocardiography and anticoagulation treatment led to complete thrombus resolution and improved cardiac function in one case.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Thrombosis

Background:

  • Current evidence links SARS-CoV-2 infection to an elevated risk of thromboembolic events.
  • Left ventricular thrombi in patients with ischemic heart disease and heart failure can lead to mortality via systemic embolization.
  • The hypercoagulable state of COVID-19 may increase the likelihood of such thrombotic events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the potential for left ventricular thrombus formation in patients with both congestive heart failure and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To present a case demonstrating the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to intracardiac thrombus in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a patient hospitalized with congestive heart failure and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Diagnosis of left ventricular thrombus confirmed via echocardiography.
  • Treatment administered included anticoagulation therapy.

Main Results:

  • Echocardiography identified a left ventricular thrombus in the patient.
  • Following anticoagulation treatment, the thrombus completely resolved.
  • The patient's cardiac function showed improvement after treatment.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection is frequently associated with thromboembolic phenomena, including intracardiac thrombi.
  • Echocardiographic assessment is crucial for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly those with pre-existing or new cardiac conditions.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of intracardiac thrombi are vital for preventing complications and improving patient outcomes.

Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2heart failureleft ventricular thrombus

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