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 22-year-old man (with no history of underlying disease) was admitted with dry cough and dyspnea that had developed for 5 days before admission. Vital signs were as follows: body temperature = 36.8°C, systolic blood pressure = 70/50 mmHg, heart rate = 120/min, and O2 saturation = 90% without oxygenation. The ECG showed sinus tachycardia. The patient had a positive nasal and oropharyngeal PCR test for COVID-19, and pulmonary edema was observed by CT scan (Figure ). Echocardiography showed LVEF of 30%–35%, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter of 5 cm, moderate RV enlargement and dysfunction, dilated inferior vena cava, and mild left-sided pleural effusion. The patient received broad-spectrum antibiotics (meropenem [500 mg q8 h for 5 days] and doxycycline [200 mg/day]), high-dose corticosteroid (methylprednisolone 1 g/day), and remdesivir for COVID-19. The patient was discharged after 7 days with stable hemodynamics. Follow-up of the patient for 3 months showed an LVEF of 45% and a normal cTnI value.