Dengue Fever Culminating in Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report

Abstract

Infection from the dengue virus can manifest with a variety of clinical presentations. Cardiac involvement from dengue fever is a rarely reported phenomenon with significant morbidity and mortality. We illustrate the case of a 47-year-old male admitted to the hospital with fevers. The hospital course was complicated with cardiac arrest. Clinicians need to be weary of this rare occurrence particularly in areas with a known prevalence of dengue for prompt recognition and improved patient outcomes.

Keywords: cardiac arrest; dengue fever/complications; temporary pacemaker; third-degree heart block; travel-related infection.

Figure 1. Telemetry series

Telemetry series demonstrating normal sinus rhythm followed by unprovoked asystole event leading to cardiogenic syncope. Eventual return of junctional escape rhythm (arrow) with ventricular premature complexes and atrial premature complexes

Figure 2. Electrocardiogram post return of spontaneous circulation

Electrocardiogram obtained immediately following cardiac arrest demonstrating normal sinus rhythm without other significant findings

Figure 3. Right heart catheterization with the placement of a temporary transvenous pacemaker

Figure 4. Transthoracic echocardiogram

(A) Transthoracic echocardiogram, long axis, demonstrating normal wall thickness and aortic root. (B) Basal short axis view demonstrating normal aortic root. (C) Apical four-chamber view demonstrating normal chamber sizes