Gastroenteritis and cardiogenic shock in a healthcare worker: a case report of COVID-19 myocarditis confirmed with serology

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) myocarditis is emerging as a component of the hyperactive inflammatory response secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Isolated gastrointestinal symptoms are uncommon presenting features in adults with COVID-19 myocarditis. The availability of antibody testing is a valuable addition to the confirmation of COVID-19, when repeated reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction of nasopharyngeal swabs are negative. CASE SUMMARY: A young healthcare worker presented with dizziness and pre-syncope, 4 weeks after his original symptoms that included fever, lethargy, and diarrhoea. Despite 2 weeks of isolation, followed by a quiescent spell, his symptoms had returned. Shortly after, he presented in cardiogenic shock (left ventricular ejection fraction 25%), that required vasopressor support, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging suggested florid myocarditis. Three nasopharyngeal swabs (Days 1, 3, and 5) were negative for SARS-CoV-2, but subsequent serology (Day 13) confirmed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and glucocorticoids led to full recovery. DISCUSSION: Our case study highlights the significance of the use of the available serological assays for diagnosis of patients presenting late with SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, it supports further research in the use of immunomodulatory drugs for the hyperinflammatory microenvironment induced by COVID-19.