SARS-CoV-2 Infection Precipitating VT Storm in Patients With Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is an inflammatory condition affecting the heart.
• Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, causing COVID-19, has been linked to various cardiac complications.
• Arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia (VT), are significant concerns in cardiovascular disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe cases of cardiac sarcoidosis flare and ventricular tachycardia storm following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To explore the potential link between COVID-19 and exacerbation of inflammatory cardiomyopathies.
• To highlight the arrhythmic risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with underlying cardiac conditions.

Main Methods:

• Case series describing three patients with cardiac sarcoidosis flare and VT storm post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Review of clinical presentations and outcomes.
• Discussion of potential mechanisms of myocardial involvement and arrhythmogenesis.

Main Results:

• Three patients presented with cardiac sarcoidosis flare and ventricular tachycardia storm after COVID-19 diagnosis.
• COVID-19 infection may precipitate or worsen cardiac sarcoidosis activity.
• Ventricular arrhythmias are a notable complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection, occurring in 5.9% of cases.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 infection can trigger severe cardiac events, including CS flares and VT storm.
• The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and inflammatory cardiomyopathies requires further investigation.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing cardiac complications of COVID-19.