COVID-19 associated respiratory failure complicating a pericardial effusion in a patient with sideroblastic anemia

COVID-19 disease has been associated with several cardiovascular complications that rarely occur in the acute phase of the disease.

A 13-year-old pediatric patient with congenital sideroblastic anemia associated with YARS2 mutation presenting with COVID-19 infection and worsening pericardial effusion followed by a respiratory failure refractory to supplemental oxygen therapy leading to cardiac arrest.

This case highlights the rapid deterioration that can occur in children with serious hematologic disorders in the context of COVID-19 especially when complicated with pericardial effusion.

The importance of pericardiocentesis early in order to allow better ventilation in any significant pericardial effusion case associated with COVID-19 infection and the need for prompt care escalation to centers where ECMO is available.