A Rare Case of Constrictive Pericarditis with Co-Existing Positive COVID-19: Probable Autoimmune or Immunoglobulin Related Disease
April 2021
in “
Rheumatology
”
Studysummary This study reports a case of constrictive pericarditis associated with COVID-19, highlighting the need for imaging, biomarkers, and histology for effective evaluation and treatment decisions.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document presents a case study of an 80-year-old man who was diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis and tested positive for COVID-19. The patient exhibited symptoms such as shortness of breath, skin rash, weight loss, and peripheral edema. His COVID-19 swab test was positive, and his CT chest and cardiac MRI showed constrictive pericarditis, pericardial effusion, and thickening. The pericardial biopsy suggested an autoimmune or immunoglobulin associated disease, but there was no clinical evidence of an autoimmune disease. After undergoing thoracoscopic surgery, the patient showed both clinical and biochemical improvement. The study concludes that cardiac manifestations are an important feature of COVID-19, and further research is needed to guide the management plans for similar cases.
