Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the COVID Era

Management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has emerged as a challenge during the COVID-19 era. There has been a significant increase in the morbidity and mortality associated with ACS both as a direct and an indirect consequence of the pandemic. In this review, we provide an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on patients presenting with ACS and current practices for managing patients presenting with chest pain during the pandemic and for ensuring safety of healthcare professionals. We also discuss treatment strategies and post-ACS care along with current and future perspectives for management of ACS during future waves of COVID-19 infection or similar pandemics.

Diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in a Patient Presenting With Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurologic disorder in which the host immune system damages peripheral nerve cells. Although classically described as an ascending paralysis, GBS can present in a myriad of ways. As peripheral nerve conduction becomes impaired, symptoms can range from mild weakness to a life-threatening paralysis of the respiratory muscles. Patients frequently experience prolonged recovery times, with residual effects often lasting up to a year or longer. The exact cause of the disorder is not fully understood, but its development most often follows infection with numerous different pathogens. Most recently, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has been identified as a possible cause. We present the case of a 63-year-old male presenting with signs and symptoms consistent with GBS who was later identified to have recently been infected with the SARS-CoV-2. Our report adds to the growing number of GBS cases that have been associated with SARS-CoV-2 and prompts further consideration of the potential sequelae of COVID-19.