Background SARS-CoV-2 is known to induce a cytokine storm, a hyperinflammatory state driven by up-regulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and immunomodulatory chemokines that may result in acute heart failure. Case summary A 65-year-old woman with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 developed shock with multiorgan system failure, including acute biventricular heart failure, 2 weeks after the initial onset of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The patient experienced myocardial recovery within 48 h after administration of tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, and multiple supportive vasoactive medications. Discussion The differential diagnosis of acute heart failure in critically ill patients with COVID-19 infection is broad, including sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, Takotsubo syndrome, viral lymphocytic myocarditis, and acute coronary syndrome. Immunomodulatory treatment with tocilizumab may benefit patients who develop cardiogenic shock associated with SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine storm.

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is one of the most common hematologic malignancies. Among them, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is well known for its coagulopathies. Bleeding secondary to disseminated intravascular coagulation, is a common initial presentation and carries a high risk for mortality if left untreated. Thrombotic complications are uncommon and can be related to treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Large artery thrombosis is very rare, and standardized management remains elusive given the classic revascularization techniques carry a significant risk of re-thrombosis, as well as high risk for mortality given the multiple surgical and percutaneous interventions that are attempted. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary in these cases to carefully weigh the risk and benefits as the classical approach to revascularization and acute arterial thrombosis could potentially cause harm.