Constrictive pericarditis after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: A case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• COVID-19 vaccination, particularly mRNA vaccines, has been linked to cardiovascular events.
• Constrictive pericarditis is a serious cardiac condition affecting heart function.

Observation:

• A 70-year-old woman developed symptoms of right-sided heart failure, including edema and dyspnea, one week after her second mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose.
• Clinical signs such as elevated jugular venous pressure with a prominent y descent and Kussmaul's sign were noted.
• Serological tests confirmed vaccine-induced antibodies without evidence of active COVID-19 infection.

Findings:

• Echocardiography revealed pericardial thickening and interventricular septal bounce.
• CT scans corroborated the presence of pericardial thickening.
• Cardiac catheterization confirmed constrictive pericarditis, leading to right-sided heart failure.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential association between mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and the development of constrictive pericarditis.
• Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms and incidence of vaccine-associated pericarditis.
• Clinicians should remain vigilant for cardiac complications in patients presenting with symptoms post-vaccination.