Atrioventricular Conduction Disorders as a Complication of Inferior ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiac Electrophysiology

Background:

• Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of cardiac morbidity and mortality.
• The impact of concurrent COVID-19 infection on acute MI presentation and complications is an area of ongoing research.
• Understanding potential cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 is crucial for patient management.

Observation:

• This case series investigated cardiac complications in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) who also tested positive for COVID-19.
• A specific focus was placed on the occurrence of atrioventricular (AV) block.
• The study observed patients with inferior ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and COVID-19 positivity.

Findings:

• Atrioventricular (AV) block was identified as a significant cardiac complication in patients with acute MI and positive COVID-19 PCR tests.
• The presence of AV block was noted irrespective of whether patients exhibited overt COVID-19 symptoms.
• Conduction disorders, specifically AV block, were more prevalent in the cohort of inferior STEMI patients who tested positive for COVID-19, with 11 out of 18 such patients experiencing AV block.

Implications:

• COVID-19 infection may predispose patients with acute myocardial infarction to conduction abnormalities, particularly AV block.
• Early recognition and monitoring for AV block are essential in acute MI patients with confirmed COVID-19.
• These findings highlight the potential cardiovascular impact of SARS-CoV-2 and inform clinical practice for this patient population.