Delayed acute myocarditis with COVID-19 infection

Mahmoud Ismayl1, Waiel Abusnina2, Abhishek Thandra2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska.

Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|May 6, 2022
PubMed

Insights

COVID-19 infection can cause myocardial injury and cardiac complications. This case highlights delayed-onset fulminant myocarditis as a rare, late complication even after mild COVID-19.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular complications are a significant cause of mortality in COVID-19 patients.
  • Myocardial injury affects 20-30% of hospitalized COVID-19 cases.
  • Most COVID-19-related myocarditis presents during the acute infection phase.

Observation:

  • A case of delayed-onset fulminant myocarditis is presented.
  • Myocarditis developed five weeks after a mild COVID-19 infection.
  • The patient experienced cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support.

Findings:

  • Myocarditis can manifest as a late complication of COVID-19.
  • Delayed-onset myocarditis can occur even after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Fulminant myocarditis can lead to severe hemodynamic compromise.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider myocarditis in patients with unexplained cardiac dysfunction post-COVID-19.
  • This case expands the understanding of the cardiovascular sequelae of COVID-19.
  • Awareness of late-onset myocarditis is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.

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