Severe hyponatremia in a COVID-19 patient

Abstract

Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities found in hospitalized patients. The diagnosis of the underlying cause of hyponatremia could be challenging. However, common causes include the syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone (SIADH), diuretic use, polydipsia, adrenal insufficiency, hypovolemia, heart failure, and liver cirrhosis. The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with severe hyponatremia. The association of hyponatremia and COVID-19 infection has been described, though pathophysiology is not clear. Here we describe a case of a 61-year-old male who presented with severe hyponatremia (Na+ 100 mmol/L) thought to be secondary to SIADH associated with COVID-19 pneumonia.