Shock and diffuse ST-elevation in a patient with coronavirus disease-2019 disease

The infection by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiac events require prompt diagnosis and management, also in the SARS-CoV-2 era. A 58-year-old male, heavy smoker and with known SARS-CoV-2 infection, abruptly developed severe hypotension and asthenia. At patients' home, emergency physicians found hemodynamic compromise with diffuse ST-elevation at electrocardiography. The patient was rapidly moved to the cardiac catheterization laboratory, and any contact with other health-care workers was avoided. Coronary angiography excluded coronary artery disease. At admission to the coronavirus disease-2019 unit, an increase in inflammatory markers and liver enzymes with normal troponin levels were observed. Bedside lung ultrasonography showed interstitial syndrome and bilateral pleural effusion, whereas echocardiography showed large and diffuse pericardial effusion with a swinging heart. The hemodynamic status improved after gentle fluid therapy such suggesting potential concomitant sepsis and pericardiocentesis was not performed. At this time, a computed tomography scan showed a widespread neoplasm in the right lung involving the subclavian artery and vein and the thoracic lymph nodes. The histology confirmed the diagnosis of a locally advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma. One week after admission, the patient died for worsening respiratory failure. Not delayed primary PCI remains the standard of care for patients with suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the SARS-CoV-2 era. A diagnostic deepening for potential STEMI-mimicker (known to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and to patients' comorbidities) should be considered, and a multidisciplinary approach is needed in these patients.