Cardiac Abnormalities in COVID-19 Patients: Should a Cardiac Echocardiogram be Routine?

ABSTRACT

Current scientific evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events. In patients with ischaemic heart disease and heart failure, thrombi of the left ventricle can increase patient mortality, mainly due to the risk of systemic embolization. Given the hypercoagulable state associated with COVID-19, such events may be more likely. We describe a patient hospitalized for congestive heart failure and SARS-CoV-2 infection who was diagnosed with a thrombus in the left ventricle. After the thrombus was identified on echocardiography and treated with anticoagulation, it completely resolved and cardiac function improved. LEARNING POINTS SARS-CoV-2 infection has been frequently associated with thromboembolic phenomena and intracardiac thrombi.Echocardiographic evaluation in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection is important, especially in cases with known or new-onset cardiac pathology which predisposes to thromboembolic phenomena.The timely diagnosis and treatment of intracardiac thrombi can prevent complications and improve patient prognosis.