Tamponade in a child: think about COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern. The presence of cardiac tamponade secondary to COVID-19 is uncommon. Observation: An 11-year-old boy presented to the emergencies with shortness of breath, orthopnea and abdominal pain. Clinical examination found a temperature of 38.2°C and obesity with a BMI=26. He had high blood pressure of 145/85 mmHg, tachycardia of 150 beats/min, muffled heart sounds, pericardial friction with a distended and sensitive abdomen. Cardiac ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis of tamponade. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection due to positive IgM serology and covid-19 pneumonia. He required a pericardial drainage that brought 850 ml of sanguineous liquid. The patient was put on colchicine and high doses of acetylsalicylic acid. He was released on the seventh day after a normal echocardiography. Conclusion: Since this cardiac complication of COVID-19 is rare and severe, we hope to attract the attention of pediatricians on tamponade during the pandemic.