Can Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy Signal Pericarditis, Pericardial Effusion, and Severe Disease in a COVID-19 Patient?

ABSTRACT

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has created a global pandemic. As we try to understand the virus, we are learning that it can affect many organ systems. Most commonly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus affects the respiratory tract and the lungs impairing oxygen transport to the systemic circulation. Its effect on the cardiovascular system can be equally as devastating. Patients can develop pericarditis, myocarditis, and pericardial effusion that can at times lead to tamponade. Here we present an unusual case of a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia who presented with pericardial effusion along with enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes.