Atrial fibrillation as a complication of dengue hemorrhagic fever: non-self-limiting manifestation

Abstract

While electrocardiogram (ECG) changes are common during viral dengue infection, atrial fibrillation (AF) is a very rare manifestation. It has previously been highlighted that cardiac complications during dengue infection are invariably transient and will spontaneously resolve following recovery from the illness. We present the case of a young patient with IgM- and IgG-positive dengue hemorrhagic fever complicated by AF. ECG revealed a structurally normal heart. The patient remained in AF despite resolution of the illness. Reversion to normal sinus rhythm was achieved after loading of oral amiodarone.