Acute pericarditis and pericardial effusion after Covid-19 infection

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 infection has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, including cardiovascular, including myocarditis and pericarditis. The prevalence and events associated with this condition still remain under analysis, as well as the repercussion of such complications after the viral infection. CASE DESCRIPTION 74-year-old female patient, former smoker, bilateral carotid stenosis without hemodynamic repercussions, rheumatoid arthritis and diagnosis of viral pneumonia due to COVID-19 in January 2022. She was admitted, in March 2022, to a referral center in cardiovascular diseases, with a clinical picture of chest pain that worsened during inspiration with 2 months of evolution. Laboratory measurements of troponin and D-dimer within normal limits. Admission electrocardiogram suggestive of pericarditis. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTECT) revealed preserved biventricular function and pericardial effusion with a greater depth of 11.0 mm. Despite the optimized clinical treatment for the pericarditis, the patient evolved with clinical worsening and rapid evolution of the pericardial effusion initially evident, with a 30.0 mm blade and signs of hemodynamic repercussion, requiring urgent drainage. On the 1st postoperative day in the intensive care unit, the patient evolved with severe acute biventricular dysfunction and need for vasoactive drugs, without response to the established clinical measures, progressing to death. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of underlying pericarditis and pericardial effusion in patients with COVID-19, as well as its clinical significance remains the subject of clinical research. Thus, knowing risk factors and the pathophysiology of cardiovascular complications related to COVID-19 are sine qua non conditions for understanding the clinical presentation, prognosis and therapeutic management.