Abstract
BACKGROUND: Prolonged QT interval (QTc) can be a serious adverse event from SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated treatment, including remdesivir. METHODS: We present a case of a 55-year-old woman with COVID-19 pneumonia who was treated with remdesivir. The QTc on admission was 483 ms. After three doses of remdesivir, she had an episode of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. Repeat QTc was significantly prolonged at 609 ms. She experienced a polymorphic ventricular tachycardic cardiac arrest the next morning, thought to be secondary to torsades de pointes. RESULTS: Transthoracic echocardiogram showed normal biventricular function. Electrolytes were within normal limits. In the absence of other QTc-prolonging medications, remdesivir was thought to be inciting agent. Following discontinuation of remdesivir, the patient's QTc returned to baseline. CONCLUSIONS: There is a risk for cardiac events from QTc prolongation effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated treatment. We recommend pharmacological profile review and cardiac monitoring for patients receiving remdesivir.