West Nile Virus as a Trigger for Cardiovascular Diseases: A Meta-summary of Case Reports

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) has recently been described as a possible trigger of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). There is little data in the literature about this association. Subjects and Methods: In the present meta-summary, eight case reports describing patients who experienced CVDs following a WNV infection were included. Patient characteristics, triggers, and type of syncope were collected. Results: A total of eight patients with a median age of 67.29 (interquartile range: 53–70) years were evaluated; 87.5% were male. Seventy-five percent of patients had an altered mental status. Left ventricular ejection fraction was impaired in five patients (62.5%). Four of eight patients (50%) had arrhythmias, with 3 of them having a normal ejection fraction. Sudden cardiac death was reported in one patient (12.5%). Conclusions: CVDs due to WNV have been associated with myocarditis and arrhythmias, among elderly patients, males, and those with neurological impairment.