C jak COVID-19 — powikłania układu sercowo-naczyniowego u młodego pacjenta

Abstract

The authors present the case of a 27-year-old patient with cardiovascular complications after undergoing severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 infection. The first symptoms included muscle aches and somnolence, severe sore throat, and enlargement of submandibular and cervical lymph nodes, followed by dyspnoea and chest pain with body temperature 37.5°C. Because of the medical profession, the patient underwent a routine reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test for coronavirus infection, which was positive, before returning to work. In an electrocardiogram, it was observed pathological Q waves in II, III, aVF, V6, and 1 mm of ST elevation in V1–V3. The laboratory tests showed normal levels of cardiac troponin T, creatine kinase MB fraction, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed the hypokinesis of the middle and apical segment of the anterior and lateral wall with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) — 54%. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the normal volume and global left ventricular systolic function (LVEF 52%) with segmental wall motion abnormalities. Subepicardial banded foci of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), located in the lower right and left ventricular segments of the basal, central and apical segments of the inferior wall suggested inflammatory aetiology of changes found. It may be assumed that the suspected myocarditis was caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Since LGE was present in the inferior wall, the patient may be considered having a low risk of major cardiac events and heart failure hospitalizations, referring to the ITAMY study. In patients without a history of cardiovascular diseases with COVID-19, cardiac MRI may reveal preserved, mid-range, or reduced LVEF. The patient requires further follow-up. The coronavirus is the most dangerous for the elderly, but it can also affect the hearts of otherwise healthy people, including young adolescents.