A case of COVID-19-associated fulminant myocarditis due to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2 sub-lineage in an unvaccinated female

• Published in: Journal of cardiology cases Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 1 - 3
• Main Authors: Ichimura, Shohei, Oikawa, Masayoshi, Ikeda, Ayano, Endo, Keiichiro, Muto, Yuuki, Akama, Joh, Yamaki, Takayoshi, Nakazato, Kazuhiko, Sato, Masahiko, Ishida, Takafumi, Suzuki, Osamu, Takeishi, Yasuchika
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2023; Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd
• Subjects: Case Report; COVID-19; Endomyocardial biopsy; Fulminant myocarditis; Mechanical circulation support; The Omicron variant; COVID-19; Mechanical circulation support; Endomyocardial biopsy; The Omicron variant; Fulminant myocarditis; The omicron variant
• ISSN: 1878-5409; 1878-5409
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jccase.2023.02.016

COVID-19-associated myocarditis can be a lethal complication in previous variants, but it is not well understood in the Omicron variant. We present an unvaccinated case of COVID-19-associated fulminant myocarditis due to the Omicron BA.2 sub-lineage requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS). A 66-year-old female without vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was hospitalized due to COVID-19. On the next day, she was transferred to our hospital due to the development of fulminant myocarditis. After arrival, she was treated with Impella CP and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation due to unstable hemodynamics. In addition to MCS, we treated her with inotropes, methylprednisolone, tocilizumab, and remdesivir. Left ventricular contraction gradually improved, and MCS was removed on day 8. Endomyocardial biopsy showed mild interstitial infiltration of CD3+-T lymphocytes and CD68+-macrophages with no remarkable necrosis or fibrosis. This case showed similar histological characteristics to COVID-19-associated myocarditis before the Omicron variant. The vaccination against the Omicron variant should be considered to prevent the development of severe illness, including fulminant myocarditis. Although the Omicron variant is thought to be generally less severe, COVID-19-associated fulminant myocarditis, as in this case, can occur. The vaccination against the Omicron variant should be considered to prevent from developing severe illness.