Usefulness of colchicine for Covid-19 myopericarditis in athletes. A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Cardiac injuries, specifically acute myocarditis, are a common complication of COVID-19. Recent
studies in the literature have supported the beneficial and safe results of colchicine administration
in the general population in cases of COVID-19 infection, especially in cases of myocardial injuries.
However, the frequency of occurrence in athletes, its treatment, and management of these
individuals concerning the return to competitive sports have not yet been clarified. The present
case description is a novelty in that it refers to the onset of a mild form of acute myopericarditis
secondary to COVID-19 infection in an athlete that was successfully treated as an outpatient with
only colchicine. A 45-year-old marathon runner with no underlying health problems showed clinical
symptoms of acute pericarditis and mild febrile infection. The biochemical tests were characterized
by an increase in the level of troponin. MRI established the diagnosis of mild myopericarditis. In
addition, he has been tested positive for COVID-19 by molecular/PCR test. The patient was treated
with colchicine alone for three months. After that time, all the clinical and laboratory findings of
myopericarditis were subsided. Six months after the onset of the disease, the athlete returned to full
competitive action.