Pericardial effusion and systemic capillary leak syndrome late post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination

Abstract

We report an interesting case of pericardial effusion associated with idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) following administration of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. This patient initially presented with dyspnoea and chest pain, with non-pitting oedema and clear lung fields. The diagnosis of ISCLS was made based on the clinical syndrome and laboratory evidence of polycythaemia and hypoalbuminaemia. An enlarging pericardial effusion was diagnosed on transthoracic echocardiogram. Daily point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS)-guided volume management and serial transthoracic echocardiograms contributed to avoidance of refractory shock, cardiac tamponade and critical care admission.

Keywords: Adult intensive care; COVID-19; Heart failure; Pericardial disease.