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Cardiac tamponade as a presentation of COVID-19 after cardiac surgery
Kirun Gopal1, Hisham Ahamed2, Rajesh Jose1
1Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University), Kochi, Kerala India.
Insights
Two patients developed cardiac tamponade after COVID-19 infection post-cardiac surgery. Early suspicion and management are crucial for treating this rare but serious manifestation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Postoperative complications following cardiac surgery require vigilant monitoring.
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known for diverse systemic effects.
Observation:
- Two patients developed pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade after elective cardiac surgery.
- One patient presented solely with cardiac tamponade, without other typical COVID-19 symptoms.
Findings:
- COVID-19 can manifest with rare cardiac complications, including pericardial effusion and tamponade.
- The risk of these cardiac manifestations may be heightened in the post-cardiac surgery context.
Implications:
- A high index of suspicion for COVID-19 is necessary in post-cardiac surgery patients presenting with cardiac effusion.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are critical for favorable outcomes in these cases.
Abstract:
We present two patients who turned positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after elective cardiac surgery, developing postoperative pericardial effusion with tamponade. One of the patients who presented with tamponade had no other symptoms of COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 can rarely present with cardiac manifestations including pericardial effusion and tamponade. In the post cardiac surgery setting, this effect of the virus may be accentuated. Hence, a high index of suspicion and prompt management are the keys for a successful outcome.
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