Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
A Case of Complete Heart Block and Acute Appendicitis in a Young Patient With COVID-19
Sherin Sallam1, Claire Sullivan2
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, USA.
Insights
A 19-year-old experienced severe COVID-19 complications, including appendicitis and heart block, mimicking multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Early recognition of these rare extrapulmonary symptoms is vital for patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents diagnostic challenges due to diverse extrapulmonary manifestations.
- Research into the full spectrum of COVID-19 presentations is ongoing, complicating early recognition and management.
Observation:
- A 19-year-old male with COVID-19 developed acute abdominal pain, bradycardia, fever, and elevated inflammatory markers.
- Diagnostic imaging revealed appendicitis, while an electrocardiogram showed third-degree heart block.
Findings:
- The patient's presentation mimicked multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a known complication of SARS-CoV-2, but occurred in an adult.
- Successful pacemaker implantation was performed, and appendectomy was planned.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering MIS-C-like systemic inflammation in adults with COVID-19.
- Prompt recognition and appropriate management of these rare manifestations can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Recently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2) has posed a challenge for clinicians, particularly extrapulmonary manifestations. These manifestations are often rare and difficult to recognize as research is still underway for the myriad presentations of the disease. A 19-year-old man presented with viral upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms and received a positive result for SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain testing. A few days later, he developed abdominal pain and presented to the Emergency Department (ED). He was found to have bradycardia, right lower quadrant pain, fevers, and elevated inflammatory markers. An abdominal computed tomography scan showed appendicitis and an electrocardiogram showed third-degree heart block. He underwent successful implantation of a dual-chamber permanent pacemaker and was scheduled for elective appendectomy. This case illustrates a state of system-wide inflammation that has been described mainly in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Recognition of this syndrome is crucial as it has potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications that can improve outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias
Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

