Acute pericarditis in a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection: a case report and review of the literature on SARS-CoV-2 cardiological manifestations

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to cause a cluster of flu-like illnesses and pneumonia with evolving understanding of other systemic manifestations. Currently, the known cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 include myocardial injury, acute coronary syndrome, and arrhythmias. In this report, we describe a case of pericarditis-an unusual cardiac manifestation observed in a patient with COVID-19. A 63-year-old male presented with history of fever, cough and chest pain. Electrocardiogram (EKG) demonstrated diffuse ST-T wave changes on all the leads, with normal troponin-T levels. Echocardiograph showed mild pericardial effusion without any regional wall motion abnormality. Subsequent chest radiograph and coronary angiography were normal. In view of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, nasopharyngeal swab was performed, which was positive. Detailed etiological workup for pericarditis, including infectious and inflammatory causes were unremarkable. Viral pericarditis (possibly caused by COVID-19) was diagnosis of exclusion and patient was treated with hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice a day, colchicine 0.5 mg twice a day, and lopinavir/ritonavir 200 mg/50 mg tablet twice a day for 10 days during admission. He was discharged with hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice daily and colchicine 0.5 mg once daily for 15 days. On subsequent follow-up clinic visit, he reported resolution of symptoms. The purpose of this report is to add a potential cardiovascular complication of COVID-19 to the literature. Awareness of this manifestation can lead to timely laboratory and imaging examinations with potential to provide correct treatment and good outcome.