A Rare Case of Acute Pericarditis Due to SARS-CoV-2 Managed With Aspirin and Colchicine

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection presents with predominant respiratory illness. Cardiac injury has been reported in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The spectrum of cardiac involvement ranges from pericarditis to myocarditis. Acute pericarditis attributed to SARS-CoV-2 is rare. A 68-year-old male with co-morbid condition of hypertension and arthritis presented with chest tightness, cough and exertional shortness of breath for five days. He was tachycardic at the time of presentation and cardiac auscultation was positive for pericardial rub. His room air oxygen saturation was 95%. Chest imaging studies revealed bilateral infiltrate. His electrocardiogram showed ST elevation with diffusely elevated J point in lead II, III, aVF and V4-V6. Echocardiogram was unrevealing for pericardial effusion and left ventricular ejection fraction was normal. Serial troponin level did not reveal a rising trend. The nasopharyngeal swab was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use in SARS-CoV-2 positive patient is debatable. The patient had acute pericarditis due to SARS-CoV-2 and it was treated with high dose aspirin with colchicine. Acute pericarditis is a rare complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection and can be managed with aspirin and colchicine. (Copyright © 2021, Thrupthi et al.)