Case Report
Volume: 4 | Issue: 12 | Published: Jan 01, 1970 | Pages: 432 - 435 | DOI: 10.24911/ejmcr/173-1591649369
Detection of SARS CoV-2 RNA in pericardial effusion in a patient with cardiac tamponade - a rare case report
Authors: Elena Falchetti , Matteo Francioni , Maria Vittoria Matassini , Stefano Menzo , Laura Morbidoni , Gianfranco Maracchini , Antonio Mariani , Gian Piero Perna
Article Info
Authors
Elena Falchetti
Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Civile ASUR, Senigallia, Italy
Matteo Francioni
Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria "Ospedali Riuniti", Ancona, Italy
Maria Vittoria Matassini
Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria "Ospedali Riuniti", Ancona, Italy
Stefano Menzo
Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Virology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria "Ospedali Riuniti", Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
Laura Morbidoni
Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Civile ASUR Marche, Senigallia, Italy
Gianfranco Maracchini
Emergency Department, Ospedale Civile ASUR Marche, Senigallia, Italy
Antonio Mariani
Department of Cardiology, Ospedale Civile ASUR, Senigallia, Italy
Gian Piero Perna
Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria "Ospedali Riuniti", Ancona, Italy
Publication History
Received: June 09, 2020
Revised: November 02, 2020
Accepted: November 15, 2020
Published: January 01, 1970
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection can involve the cardiovascular system with many presentations, including pericardial effusion. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA detected in pericardial effusion during the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. Case Presentation: We report an acute, large but located pericardial effusion during acute COVID-19 infection, which required emergent pericardiocentesis. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in the pericardial fluid. The patient also presented with concomitant pleural and peritoneal effusion. The patient was treated with colchicine and was discharged 16 days later. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in pericardial effusion during the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. Concomitant presence of pleural and peritoneal effusion could confirm the hypothesis of exaggerated systemic inflammatory response triggered by the virus.
Keywords: COVID-19, cardiac tamponade, pericardial effusion, polyserositis, green
