SARS-CoV-2 Complicated by a Large Hemorrhagic Pericardial Effusion

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), primarily a respiratory virus, has also presented with cardiac complications including myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrhythmias. Pericardial effusions are also emerging in the literature as a sequel to this viral infection. A case of a 57-year-old Hispanic female with SARS-CoV-2 infection two months prior with worsening dyspnea on exertion who was found to have a large hemorrhagic pericardial effusion with early tamponade physiology was presented in this article. This case highlights the rare complication and the importance of bedside echocardiogram in patients with recent SARS-CoV-2 infection who present with shortness of breath and other signs of pericardial effusion.