Cardiac arrest associated with non-toxigenic corynebacterium diphtheria strain: A case report

Abstract

Here we document a rare, acute, infection caused by non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae and the resulting unique and severe clinical sequelae. Our patient was a young man with no known pre-existing conditions that presented in cardiopulmonary arrest. We contrast this case with prior instances of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae strain infection in the United States and summarize the literature that suggests systemic infection can result in cardiogenic toxicity. We speculate on a possible missed, pre-existing condition that could have increased this patient's susceptibility to poor clinical outcome.

Keywords: C. diphtheria; Corynebacterium diphtheriae; Corynebacterium diphtheriae infection; critical care medicine; non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae; prolonged QT syndrome.

FIGURE 1

Twelve-lead electrocardiogram taken during the patient’s current presentation shortly after stabilization. T wave elevations are noted in leads II, V5–V6.

FIGURE 2

Twelve-lead diagnostic electrocardiogram collected after the patient’s initial hospitalization. U waves noted in V1–V4. Prolonged QTc of 572 ms.

FIGURE 3

Confirmatory, diagnostic twelve-lead electrocardiogram replicating prior findings of V1–V4 U waves and prolonged QTc, here 579 ms.