A 63-year-old female with COVID-19 developed rapid progression from dry pericarditis to life-threatening cardiac tamponade, which was successfully treated with pericardiocentesis, NSAIDs, and colchicine.
Case Report (n=1)
COVID-19 can present with pericarditis that rapidly progresses to life-threatening cardiac tamponade, requiring prompt recognition and drainage.
Pericardial inflammation is a recognised feature of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The authors herein present the case of a female with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection who developed a large and life-threatening pericardial effusion over a few days following the onset of pericarditis, despite prompt commencement of treatment. This was successfully drained, and she was discharged in stable condition on oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and colchicine.At 6-week follow-up she had made a full recovery, and repeat echocardiography demonstrated no recurrence of effusion or evidence of constrictive physiology.
Reddy et al. (Mon,) conducted a case report in COVID-19 with pericarditis and cardiac tamponade (n=1). Pericardiocentesis, NSAIDs, and colchicine was evaluated on Clinical recovery and resolution of effusion. A 63-year-old female with COVID-19 developed rapid progression from dry pericarditis to life-threatening cardiac tamponade, which was successfully treated with pericardiocentesis, NSAIDs, and colchicine.