Myocarditis as a serious complication of COVID-19

Abstract

Recently, the identification of a new line of coronavirus, which was called SARS-CoV-2, has become the subject of studies worldwide, reaching pandemic proportions. In line with this, this virus was identified as the etiological agent of a clinical entity called COVID-19, characterized by potentially severe pneumonia. In addition to respiratory involvement, the cytokine storm inherent to the pathophysiology of the disease constitutes a cascade of inflammatory activation, mediated by cytokines, which can lead to numerous multisystemic complications, including myocarditis. It is also postulated that myocardial involvement is due to direct viral cytopathic effects, as well as lymphocytic cell cytotoxicity, generating myocardial injury and cardiac dysfunction. This study aimed to describe the presence of myocarditis as a serious complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection, to better guide health professionals to consider this association as a diagnostic hypothesis in the face of the current scenario, in order to promote early diagnosis and management. The reported patient, aged 32, presented with typical manifestations of COVID-19, did not have cardiovascular risk factors and had preserved cardiac function at admission. We report the evolution of the condition with impaired cardiac function within 72 hours, describing the investigation, management and positive outcome with recovery of ventricular function.