ABSTRACT
Background: Air - leak syndrome is one of the dreaded complication in COVID -19 viral pneumonia. It has been described in severe cases during acute COVID -19 Infection. Spontaneous pneumothorax after mild COVID-19 disease has been rarely reported. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in SDS TRC AND RGICD, Bangalore. All patients presenting to our hospital from May 2021 to October 2021 with air -leak syndrome with a prior history of COVID -19 infection were included. Details obtained from the medical records included the demographics, radiology, laboratory investigations and outcome. Results: 24 patients presented with air- leak syndrome. Median age was 54 years with male predominance (84%). 33% had severe COVID disease, 29% had moderate and 37% were mild COVID cases. Median duration of presentation with air -leak syndrome from covid-19 infection was 29 days (Range- 8-90). 58% had Hydro-pneumothorax and 41% had pneumothorax. Pleural fluid analysis was suggestive of para-pneumonic effusion in 11cases while three had tubercular hydro-pneumothorax. Mean duration of ICD in-situ was 24days . Chest radiography showed consolidation in 21 patients and 3 patients had no consolidation, pneumatocele was observed in 2 patients . one patient developed BPF, 3 patients succumbed and the rest were discharged. Conclusion: Air-leak syndrome is a life threatening complication of COVID-19 infection which can manifest even after a mild disease and with out NIV use . Multiple factors lead to development of air -leak syndrome. Prompt recognition of the same is crucial to avoid mortality.