COVID-19-associated orthostatic hypotension syndrome: direct and indirect mechanisms of development

Background. The article presents an observation of the clinical case of orthostatic hypotension that developed after an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The issues of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis are outlined. The complexity of diagnosis at the stage of clinical observation is due to the comorbidity of possible mechanisms and the difficulty of determining the primary factor. Taking into account the study of variants of direct and indirect action of this 2019-nCoV, the description of the clinical observation of orthostatic hypotension supplements the data on the spectrum of manifestations of this disease.

Aim.  Analysis of the clinical case of the development of orthostatic hypotension in the post-acute period of COVID-19.

Material. When conducting a literature review on the selected topic, various sources were considered. The search depth was over 7 years. For the recruitment of literature, Internet platforms UpToDate, PubMed, Medscape were used. Russian and foreign sources were studied.

Methods. Anamnesis collection, objective research, specialized tests, laboratory and instrumental research methods, study of disease history, literature sources on orthostatic hypotension and the effect of COVID-19 on the autonomic nervous system.

Results. The analysis of this case with the determination of the leading mechanism of orthostatic hypotension is extremely difficult. Probably, there is a combination of factors: direct and indirect effects on the nervous system at COVID-19. The direct effect is associated with the interaction of the virus with the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors in the nervous system, which causes a significant increase in the concentration of bradykinin and the development of hypotension. An indirect effect is due to both increased thrombus formation with the development of PE, and autonomic dysfunction, within the framework of secondary polyneuropathy of fine fibers.

Conclusion. It is likely that in the near future the number of such patients in the practice of doctors will increase, therefore, timely and correct diagnosis of these conditions, with their careful management, will be the fundamental postulates in the recovery of patients. Drawing attention to this topic will possibly expand our understanding of the spectrum of complications of COVID-19 and will greatly complement the information available today.