ABSTRACT
Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, characterized by abnormal findings on the electrocardiogram (ECG) in conjunction with an increased risk of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and sudden cardiac death. Triggers of the ECG pattern and VT in BrS include fevers, drugs, and electrolyte abnormalities. This case reports a unique treatment approach of targeted temperature management (TTM) to treat persistent fevers and VT secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a patient with BrS. We report the case of a 23 year old male with history of BrS with an intracardiac defibrillator (ICD) who presented to the hospital with chest pain and a runny nose. Vital signs upon admission were notable for temperature of 38.2 C, heart rate of 155 beats/minute and blood pressure of 134/110 mmHG. Laboratory values on admission revealed a normal complete blood count, a normal basic metabolic panel, an elevated c-reactive protein (CRP) of 19.1, and PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a cycle threshold value of 16.4. ECG revealed a type 2 Brugada pattern. Interrogation of his ICD revealed 28 device shocks on the morning of admission, with each episode beginning with a premature ventricular contraction inciting polymorphic VT. His transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) discovered a newly reduced ejection fraction of 25% with global hypokinesis. Persistent VT prompted intubation and sedation with propofol. Repeat SARS-CoV-2 inflammatory markers revealed a rising CRP of 244. Therapies included acetaminophen around the clock and remdesivir and dexamethasone to target COVID-19. During the first two days in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU), fevers persisted with Brugada pattern on ECG. Given the potential for recurrent VT, targeted TTM was initiated using the Arctic Sun external cooling device to maintain normothermia to 37 C. After 5 days of no VT, fever curve, Brugada pattern, and inflammatory markers improved. TTM was discontinued, COVID-19 therapies were completed, and he was extubated. His cardiac function normalized on repeat TTE and he was discharged home. We report a unique case of TTM use in a patient with BrS with VT secondary to infection with COVID-19, as a way to decrease fevers and prevent further triggering of VT.