A 45-year-old man was admitted with a fever that lasted for 2 weeks, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain continued for 1 week. Vital signs were as follows: body temperature = 38.5°C, systolic blood pressure = 100/70 mmHg, heart rate = 90/min and, O2 saturation = 85% without oxygenation (90% with nasal oxygen therapy). The ECG showed sinus tachycardia, no significant changes in the ST-segment, low-voltage waves in the limb leads, and QRS alternans. The TTE revealed LVEF of 45%, normal LV size and function without regional wall motion abnormalities, and circumferential pericardial effusion without significant respiratory changes in the mitral and tricuspid valves (Figure ). Lung CT scan showed bilateral GGO suggestive of viral pneumonia (Figure ) as well as the patient had a positive nasal and oropharyngeal PCR test for COVID-19. The patient received broad-spectrum antibiotics (meropenem [500 mg q8 h for 5 days] and doxycycline [200 mg/day]), corticosteroid (methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/day), and remdesivir for COVID-19. However, the pericardial effusion was resolved by the third day after admission. Oxygen saturation increased to 95% after 5 days (without supplemental oxygen) and he was discharged in a satisfying condition. Follow-up of the patient for 3 months showed an LVEF of 45%, mild pericardial effusion, and normal right ventricular size and function.
A 16-year-old boy was admitted with fever, diarrhea, and dry cough that had occurred for 1 week before admission. The first evaluation of the patient at the time of admission was as follows: low blood pressure (80/60 mmHg), non-palpable pulse, and cyanosis, oxygen saturation was 85% without oxygenation, and the body temperature was 38°C. The ECG showed normal sinus rhythm with diffuse anterior ST-segment elevations in precordial leads (Figure ). Rapid improvement of the ECG abnormality resulted from carrying out vasopressors and intubation. Echocardiography represented left ventricular wall thickness, LVEF of 20%–25% with generalized hypokinesis, normal RV size (and function), and dilated inferior vena cava. Moreover, valvular structure and function were normal. The patient had a positive nasal and oropharyngeal PCR test for COVID-19, and the lung CT scan disclosed GGO (Figure ).\nThe patient received IVIG (1 g/kg), broad-spectrum antibiotics (meropenem [500 mg] and doxycycline [200 mg/day]), high-dose corticosteroid (methylprednisolone 1 g/day), and remdesivir for COVID-19. Nonetheless, the patient died the next day after admission due to sudden bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest.