ABSTRACT
The increasing number of studies published on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia has improved our knowledge of the disease itself and its complications. Despite a considerable number of publications on COVID-19 pneumonia-associated pneumothorax, no article on spontaneous hemopneumothorax has been found in the English-language literature. According to published case reports, pneumothorax generally occurs in hospitalized patients during treatment, whereas cases that arise in the late period after discharge are exceptional. Herein, we present a case of spontaneous hemopneumothorax occurring as a late complication of COVID-19 pneumonia on day 17 after discharge.
ABSTRACT
Background/aim: As the number of case reports related to the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19) increases, knowledge of and experience with the virus and its complications also increase. Pleural complications are one relevant issue. We aimed in this study to analyze pleural complications, such as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and empyema, in patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and methods: The files of patients who have pleural complications of COVID-19 pneumonia and were consulted about thoracic surgery between March 2020 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The data of the patients were analyzed according to age, sex, length of stay, treatment method for pleural complications, mortality, severity of COVID-19 pneumonia, tube thoracostomy duration, and presence of a mechanical ventilator. Results: A total of 31 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study. There were 11 female (35.5%) and 20 male (65.5%) patients. The most common complication was pneumothorax in 20 patients (65%). The median duration of hospitalization was 22 days and the mortality rate was 71%. Mortality was significantly higher in patients on mechanical ventilation (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The mortality rate is very high in patients with pleural complications of COVID-19 pneumonia. Pneumothorax is a fatal complication in critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.