Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 16, 2025

Protection of H9c2 Myocardial Cells from Oxidative Stress by Crocetin via PINK1/Parkin Pathway-Mediated Mitophagy
07:40

Protection of H9c2 Myocardial Cells from Oxidative Stress by Crocetin via PINK1/Parkin Pathway-Mediated Mitophagy

Published on: May 26, 2023

1.4K

COVID-19 cardiac injury and the use of colchicine

Vanesa Anton-Vazquez1, Laura Byrne2, Lisa Anderson3

  • 1Infection Care Group, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK v.anton-vazquez@nhs.net.

BMJ Case Reports
|February 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a COVID-19 patient with severe cardiac injury, presenting with shortness of breath and chest pain. Colchicine treatment led to rapid clinical improvement, suggesting a potential therapeutic role.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) can cause multi-organ involvement, including cardiac complications.
  • Cardiac injury is a significant concern in patients with SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection.
  • Early identification and management of cardiac manifestations in COVID-19 are crucial.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old male presented with fever and shortness of breath due to COVID-19.
  • Initial ECG showed sinus tachycardia with ventricular extrasystoles and anterior T-wave inversion.
  • Elevated cardiac biomarkers (Troponin T, NT-proBNP) and severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (30%) were noted.
  • The patient experienced clinical deterioration with chest pain and respiratory failure 11 days post-symptom onset.

Findings:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed via nasopharyngeal swab.
  • Treatment with colchicine (0.5 mg 8-hourly) resulted in rapid clinical resolution of cardiac and respiratory symptoms.
  • This case highlights cardiac injury as a potentially dominant feature of COVID-19.

Implications:

  • Colchicine therapy demonstrated efficacy in resolving severe COVID-19-associated cardiac injury and respiratory failure.
  • Further research is warranted to investigate the anti-inflammatory role of colchicine in mitigating myocardial and lung damage in COVID-19.
  • This case suggests colchicine as a potential therapeutic option for managing cardiac complications in COVID-19 patients.

Keywords:
COVID-19cardiovascular medicinedrugs and medicines

More Related Videos

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo05:14

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

Published on: May 16, 2020

5.1K
Herbal Munziq Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation09:53

Herbal Munziq Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation

Published on: January 10, 2025

657

Related Concept Videos

Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
70
Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
105
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules01:10

Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules

Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
2.2K
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
116
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
121
Myocarditis I: Introduction01:21

Myocarditis I: Introduction

Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
155