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COVID-19 Associated Pneumonia and Pleural Effusion Masquerading as Heart Failure in Rheumatic Heart Disease

Jahanzeb Malik1, Nismat Javed2, Hesham Naeem1

  • 1Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Rawal Road, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|August 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study highlights unusual radiological findings in a COVID-19 patient with rheumatic heart disease in Pakistan. Early aggressive treatment is crucial for managing COVID-19 pneumonia, even with rare presentations like pleural effusion.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged in Pakistan in April 2020.
  • The country anticipated its peak in August 2020, necessitating urgent public health responses.
  • Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a significant cardiovascular condition, particularly in low-resource settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a unique case of COVID-19 in a patient with pre-existing rheumatic heart disease.
  • To describe unusual radiological findings associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To emphasize the importance of early and aggressive treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Main Methods:

  • Case report detailing clinical presentation, symptoms (fever, myalgia), and diagnostic workup.
  • Review of radiological findings, specifically focusing on an unusual presentation.
  • Analysis of treatment response to aggressive therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with symptoms including fever and myalgia, alongside a diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease.
  • An unusual radiological finding, specifically pleural effusion, was observed in a mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patient.
  • Aggressive treatment led to a dramatic improvement in COVID-19 pneumonia.

Conclusions:

  • Unusual radiological findings are increasingly recognized in COVID-19 patients.
  • Pleural effusion represents a rare manifestation of COVID-19, even in mildly symptomatic individuals.
  • Prompt and intensive treatment strategies are vital for successful management of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Keywords:
COVID-19pleural effusionrheumatic heart disease

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