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Epipericardial Fat Necrosis and Covid-19
Mohsin Haseeb1, Abdullah Shafiq2, Muhammad A Sheikh2
1Department of Cardiology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, USA.
European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine
|March 8, 2024
Summary
Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare cause of chest pain. This condition may be linked to COVID-19, prompting consideration in patients with recent infections.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is an uncommon, self-limiting condition causing acute chest pain.
- A case of EFN is presented in a patient with a recent history of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight a rare case of Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN).
- To explore the potential association between EFN and recent COVID-19 infection.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of a 55-year-old male with sudden onset pleuritic chest pain.
- Diagnostic workup included ruling out acute coronary syndrome and computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography.
- Treatment involved a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Main Results:
- CT scan revealed an ovoid encapsulated fatty mass consistent with EFN.
- The patient experienced significant symptom improvement with NSAIDs.
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may increase EFN risk by promoting inflammation and adipocyte death.
Conclusions:
- EFN is a rare cause of acute chest pain, often misdiagnosed.
- COVID-19 may increase the risk of EFN, necessitating its consideration in differential diagnoses.
- Increased clinician awareness of EFN and its link to COVID-19 can prevent unnecessary tests and patient distress.
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