High-degree atrioventricular block in COVID-19 hospitalized patients

Europace. 2021 Mar 8;23(3):451-455. doi: 10.1093/europace/euaa333.

Abstract

Aims: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has shown the potential to significantly affect the cardiovascular system. Cardiac arrhythmias are commonly reported complications in COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Methods and results: While tachyarrhythmias seem most common, we describe four cases of COVID-19 patients who developed a transient high-degree atrioventricular (AV) block during the course of their hospitalization. All four patients who developed a high-degree AV block during their hospitalization with COVID-19 did not require permanent pacing.

Conclusion: Similarly to most AV blocks associated with infectious organisms and given its transient nature, this case series suggests that conservative management strategies should be preferred in COVID-19 patients who develop complete heart block.

Keywords: Bradyarrhythmia; COVID-19; Heart block; Infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Adult
  • Atrioventricular Block / diagnosis
  • Atrioventricular Block / etiology*
  • Atrioventricular Block / physiopathology
  • Atrioventricular Block / therapy
  • Atrioventricular Node / physiopathology*
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • Conservative Treatment
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Rate*
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome