Background : The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen responsible for the now pandemic disease, coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A number of reports have emerged suggesting these patients may present with signs and symptoms consistent with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction without coronary artery occlusion. Case summary : We report an international case series of patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection who presented with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Three patients with confirmed COVID-19 presented with electrocardiogram criteria for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. No patient had obstructive coronary disease at coronary angiography. Post-mortem histology in one case demonstrated myocardial ischaemia in the absence of coronary atherothrombosis or myocarditis. Discussion : Patients with COVID-19 may present with features consistent with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and patent coronary arteries. The prevalence and clinical outcomes of this condition require systematic investigation in consecutive unselected patients.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is widely performed for severe aortic stenosis (AS), often accompanied by coronary artery disease (CAD). The optimal management of CAD in TAVI patients remains uncertain. This study reviews the evidence on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) timing in TAVI, and proposes an algorithmic approach for CAD management. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane identified studies comparing PCI timing strategies in TAVI patients. Results: Thirteen studies with 15,412 participants were included. Mortality at 30 days (OR 5.70; 95% CI [1.34–24.36]) and 2 years (OR 4.40; 95% CI [2.60–7.44]) were significantly higher in the combined pre-TAVI and concomitant PCI group than in the post-TAVI cohort. Rates of other periprocedural complications, such as stroke and bleeding, varied across studies. Conclusion: There is no clear consensus on PCI timing in TAVI due to a lack of high-quality randomised data. An individualised, algorithmic approach is proposed for managing CAD in patients undergoing TAVI.

Pneumopericardium is an overall rare condition caused by increased intrathoracic positive pressure. Different mechanisms can contribute to its development. It can be observed in both pediatric and adult populations. Only a small percentage of patients have cardiac tamponade. We describe the first case of delayed tension pneumopericardium after elective lobectomy. Sudden symptom onset and clinical management are discussed. Only an accurate and quick patient assessment allowed diagnosing this condition and, hence, its correct treatment. Although the diagnosis of pneumopericardium is uncommon, if untreated, it can be fatal.