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Complex Management Decisions in a Professional Athlete With Recurrent Pericarditis
Benjamin M Klein1, Eunice S Dugan2, Andrew D LaCombe2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
JACC. Case Reports
|September 20, 2022
Summary
Chronic recurrent pericarditis in a professional athlete was challenging to treat due to exercise demands and potential therapy side effects. Determining return-to-play required careful consideration of these complex factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Sports Medicine
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Pericarditis, inflammation of the sac around the heart, can be recurrent and difficult to manage.
- Professional athletes present unique challenges in managing medical conditions due to intense physical demands.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old professional athlete experienced chronic recurrent pericarditis refractory to standard treatments.
- Potential etiologies included postpericardiotomy syndrome, viral infections, or COVID-19 vaccine reactions.
- Intense exercise was identified as a potential exacerbating factor.
Findings:
- Management decisions were complicated by the need to balance effective treatment with the athlete's career requirements.
- The potential side-effect profiles of various pericarditis therapies posed additional challenges.
- Return-to-play protocols required careful consideration of exercise limitations and therapeutic interventions.
Implications:
- This case highlights the complex interplay between medical conditions, athletic performance, and treatment strategies in elite athletes.
- Further research is needed to optimize management and return-to-play guidelines for athletes with recurrent pericarditis.
- Understanding exercise's role in exacerbating pericarditis is crucial for preventing recurrence and ensuring athlete well-being.
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