Pericardial Fluid in a COVID-19 Patient: Is It Exudate or Transudate?

Authors

• Hassan H Allam King Abdullah Medical Complex, Jeddah, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Abdulhalim Jamal Kinsara Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, COM-WR, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Tareq Tuaima King Abdullah Medical Complex, Jeddah, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Shadwan Alfakeh King Abdullah Medical Complex, Jeddah, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

akinsara@yahoo.com

Keywords

Abstract

Background: Very limited information is available on pericardial effusion as a complication of COVID-19 infection. There are no reports regarding pericardial fluid findings in COVID-19 patients.
Case description: We describe a 41-year-old woman, with confirmed COVID-19, who presented with a large pericardial effusion. The pericardial fluid was drained. We present the laboratory findings to improve knowledge of this virus.
Discussion: We believe this is the first such reported case. Findings suggested the fluid was exudative, with remarkably high lactate dehydrogenase and albumin levels. We hope our data provide additional insight into the diagnosis and therapeutic options for managing this infection.