In-Hospital Cardiac Complications in Legionnaires’ disease: A Single Center Experience of 32 Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Legionella species frequently causes Legionnaires' disease (LD), a community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Although data on cardiac events during the course of CAP can be found in the literature, there has been little research on the same issue in LD patients specifically. This study aimed to investigate cardiac complications in the course of LD. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients hospitalized with CAP and who received a definitive diagnosis of Legionella infection were identified from the hospital database and included in the study population. The patients' electronic and written records were evaluated for possible cardiac complications. Results: Mean age was 65 +/- 13.5 years and 50% of the subjects were males. Seven patients died during hospitalization. Cardiovascular events were detected in 11 patients. New-onset atrial fibrillation was the most frequent event and was detected in 8 patients (25%), while two patients experienced a myocardial infarction, and one patient was diagnosed with myocarditis. The cardiovascular events were significantly related to the pneumonia severity index (PSI) score and need for intensive care unit. Conclusion: Although LD rarely involves the heart, it can often cause cardiac complications, and the frequency increases in parallel with the severity of the disease. This study indicates that patients with LD should be carefully followed for possible cardiac complications.