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.