Discussion
Most admitted patients of COVID-19 are more than 70 years old and have cardiovascular comorbidities. The patients most vulnerable to the disease are those with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease [HF, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM)] (7,8). As cases of cardiac manifestation are increasing, it is important to consider other causes than pulmonary for dyspnea in such patients. It is important to consider follow up in discharged patients with x-ray controls and possibly echocardiograms if dyspnea does not resolve totally to their previous baseline. Pericarditis and pericardial effusion are rare complications of COVID-19 and the approach of management have not been totally described (5,6).
The management of pericarditis starts with a TTE to rule out pericardial effusion or tamponade. If there is no hemodynamic compromise a pharmacological approach can be considered. High dose aspirin and NSAIDs are described as the first line management in such cases. Colchicine can be added as an additional treatment. However, if the effusion progresses or there is hemodynamic compromise a pericardiocentesis must be attempted (9).
As COVID-19 cases become increasingly common and of daily management in hospitals, it is important to be aware of their possible complications. With this case we want to highlight the importance of follow-up at discharge of patients with COVID-19 and the value of clinical ultrasound in patients presenting with dyspnea in the emergency room.