INTRODUCTION
Although COVID-19 infection primarily affects the lungs and causes
pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death, various
cardiovascular complications are among the leading causes of mortality.
(1) Numerous studies and case series have shown that COVID-19 causes
myocarditis, (2-3-4) tamponade (5), acute heart failure (6), arrhythmia
(tachycardia or bradycardia) (7), Brugada-like ECG pattern (8),
transient ST elevation, and sudden cardiac death. (9-10)
Cardiac involvement is associated with a poor prognostic outcome,
independent of other causes, with an incidence of 22-44% in cases of
advanced and severe COVID-19 infection. (11-12) Cardiovascular damage
can occur through a diverse range of pathways. In addition to the direct
cardiotoxic effect, cardiovascular damage may be caused by inhibition of
ACE-2 receptors, cytokine storm, coronary plaque rupture, coronary
spasm, and microthromboembolism. (13-14)
On a superficial ECG, the lead aVR is usually neglected. However, it
provides prognostic information on many cardiovascular diseases. A
positive T wave amplitude in thelead aVR gives prognostic information
onrepolarization abnormality and provides diagnostic and prognostic
information on many cardiovascular diseases as in heart failure. (15-16)
However, there is no information regarding its relationship with
COVID-19 pneumonia. The aim of this study was to investigate the
relationship between T wave positivity in the lead aVR on superficial
ECG and mortality from COVID-19 pneumonia.