Persistent Complete Heart Block in a Patient with COVID-19 Infection: a Case Report

Abstract

The pandemic of COVID-19 as a global concern has emerged the need for data aggregation about various clinical pictures particularly cardiovascular complications. Although the incidence of advanced atrioventricular block (AVB) in these patients is not well established, few cases have been reported. We have reported a 48-year-old man with COVID-19 infection who presented with prodromal symptoms for 5 days preceding complete AVB found at the emergency department. Pulmonary involvement and PCR confirmed the diagnosis. The block persisted after recovery of the patient for more than 1 month. Pathophysiology of advanced AVB following COVID-19 infection is not well understood. Several factors including inflammatory response, immune system over activity, myocarditis, and medications have been underlined. Although conservative management may lead to spontaneous recovery of AVB, pacemaker implantation is reasonable in case of persistent conduction defect.