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COVID-19 Presenting as Recurrent Pericardial Effusion.
Dena H Tran1, Anuj Gupta2, Avelino C Verceles3
1Internal Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, USA.
Cureus
|October 18, 2021
Summary
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) can cause recurrent pericardial effusion, a rare cardiovascular complication. This case highlights the importance of considering pericardial effusion in COVID-19 patients presenting with cardiac symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic.
- While primarily affecting the lungs, SARS-CoV-2 can impact the cardiac system.
- Cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 are increasingly recognized.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old male tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and presented with altered mental status.
- He later developed pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath attributed to a moderate-to-large pericardial effusion.
- Echocardiography confirmed the effusion, which recurred after pericardiocentesis, necessitating a pericardial window.
Findings:
- The pericardial effusion was secondary to the COVID-19 infection.
- Fluid analysis ruled out malignancy, inflammation, and infection.
- The patient's symptoms resolved after pericardial window placement.
Implications:
- COVID-19 is associated with recurrent pericardial effusion, an unusual cardiovascular manifestation.
- Pericardial effusion can be the primary clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Clinicians should consider pericardial effusion as a potential complication of COVID-19, especially in recurrent cases.
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