A Case of Isolated SARS-CoV-2 Fulminant Myopericarditis Without Respiratory Failure

Felix Afriyie1, Emmanuel Fohle2, Sammir S Dekowski3

  • 1Internal Medicine, East Carolina University/Vidant Medical Center, Greenville, USA.

Cureus
|April 22, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Fulminant myopericarditis, a rare and fatal COVID-19 complication, can affect young adults without prior health issues. Early recognition and advanced cardiac care are crucial for managing this severe cardiac manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents with diverse clinical manifestations.
  • Cardiovascular complications are increasingly recognized in COVID-19 patients.
  • Myocardial injury, arrhythmia, and heart failure are potential cardiac sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Observation:

  • A 27-year-old male with no comorbidities presented with chest pressure, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Initial investigations revealed elevated cardiac biomarkers and diffuse ST-segment elevation on ECG.
  • Coronary angiography showed normal coronary arteries, but suggested cardiogenic shock.

Findings:

  • The patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
  • Diagnosis was fulminant myopericarditis and cardiogenic shock.
  • Despite treatment with remdesivir, steroids, inotropes, and vasopressors, the patient experienced cardiac arrest and could not be resuscitated.

Implications:

  • Fulminant myopericarditis is a rare but high-mortality complication of COVID-19.
  • Early diagnosis and prompt transfer to a specialized cardiac center are critical.
  • This case highlights the potential for severe cardiac injury from SARS-CoV-2 in young, otherwise healthy individuals.

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