COVID-19-Associated Pneumatocele and Subsequent Pneumothorax.

We report a case of pneumatocele and subsequent pneumothorax, 20 days after being treated for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and discharged. This 64-year-old patient was initially treated for COVID-19 pneumonia and pulmonary embolism (PE) over a two-week-long admission. He was discharged and then re-presented two days post-discharge with sudden exacerbation of breathlessness. Blood tests showed worsening inflammatory markers likely associated with bacterial infection, and imaging revealed multiple pneumatoceles and subsequent pneumothorax. Unfortunately, he rapidly deteriorated and passed away. This case report adds to the growing concern in the literature about the serious and life-threatening complications of COVID-19 infection and raises awareness of this rare complication.

Long term longitudinal follow-up of an AD-HIES cohort: the impact of early diagnosis and enrollment to IPINet centers on the natural history of Job's syndrome.

Job's syndrome, or autosomal dominant hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (AD-HIES, STAT3-Dominant Negative), is a rare inborn error of immunity (IEI) with multi-organ involvement and long-life post-infective damage. Longitudinal registries are of primary importance in improving our knowledge of the natural history and management of these rare disorders. This study aimed to describe the natural history of 30 Italian patients with AD-HIES recorded in the Italian network for primary immunodeficiency (IPINet) registry. This study shows the incidence of manifestations present at the time of diagnosis versus those that arose during follow up at a referral center for IEI. The mean time of diagnostic delay was 13.7 years, while the age of disease onset was < 12 months in 66.7% of patients. Respiratory complications, namely bronchiectasis and pneumatoceles, were present at diagnosis in 46.7% and 43.3% of patients, respectively. Antimicrobial prophylaxis resulted in a decrease in the incidence of pneumonia from 76.7% to 46.7%. At the time of diagnosis, skin involvement was present in 93.3% of the patients, including eczema (80.8%) and abscesses (66.7%). At the time of follow-up, under therapy, the prevalence of complications decreased: eczema and skin abscesses reduced to 63.3% and 56.7%, respectively. Antifungal prophylaxis decreased the incidence of mucocutaneous candidiasis from 70% to 56.7%. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, seven patients developed COVID-19. Survival analyses showed that 27 out of 30 patients survived, while three patients died at ages of 28, 39, and 46 years as a consequence of lung bleeding, lymphoma, and sepsis, respectively. Analysis of a cumulative follow-up period of 278.7 patient-years showed that early diagnosis, adequate management at expertise centers for IEI, prophylactic antibiotics, and antifungal therapy improve outcomes and can positively influence the life expectancy of patients.

Pneumatocele as rare thoracic complication after recovering COVID-19 pneumonitis- a case series including literature review

Outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with its overwhelming morbidity and mortality has created a significant challenge for health systems worldwide. Although peripheral ground-glass opacities are the most frequent radiologic feature of COVID-19 described in the literature, long term rare complications such as cavitations, pneumatocele, pneumothorax, empyema or hemothorax are occasionally reported. Pneumatoceles are defined as thin-walled air-filled cyst in the lung interstitium, caused by ischemia related damage of alveolar wall and check valve mechanism, which lead to air trapping. We describe a case series of eight patients, diagnosed with COVID-19, confirmed by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 of nasopharyngeal swab and complicated with pneumatocele and pneumothorax, the largest group at present. Among these patients seven were males, only one had a history of a previous lung disease, six had a smoking history. One out of these eight patients suffered from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring mechanical ventilation. During the hospitalization three patients received surgical intervention with resection of pneumatocele, others were successfully treated conservatively with antibiotic therapy. Reason for surgical intervention included non-resolving pneumothorax, superinfection of pneumatocele non responding to antibiotic therapy and hemothorax. According to our study not every pneumatocele requires surgical intervention. Conservative management or surgical approach in those complications should be decided individually.

Development of a Large Pneumatocele in a Patient Recovering from COVID-19 Pneumonitis.

A 39-year-old man presented with severe COVID-19 pneumonitis requiring hospital admission. He represented three days following discharge with sudden onset breathlessness and chest pain. Initial imaging suggested the presence of a left pneumothorax. Following further clinical decline a plan was made to insert a CT guided chest drain. However, imaging in the prone position for the procedure unexpectedly revealed a large left lower lobe pneumatocele with only a very small pneumothorax. Events and appearances suggest that this is a rare case of delayed COVID-19 pneumonitis-related pneumatocele formation. We will discuss the clinical significance of this entity. LEARNING POINTS: Pneumatocele formation should be considered in patients presenting with new respiratory symptoms after completing therapy for COVID-19 pneumonitis.Performing CT examinations with patients in different positions may be required to help exclude the possibility of pneumatocele formation when a loculated pneumothorax is suspected on the supine CT images.

Development of pneumatocele and spontaneous pneumothorax as a late complication of COVID-19 pneumonia

SARS-COV2 pandemic has spread like wildfire and has affected all the countries worldwide. The virus mainly affects the lungs and has numerous manifestations. The development of spontaneous pneumatocele and pneumothorax has rarely been reported in the literature, especially in spontaneously breathing patients. We report two cases of COVID-19 patients who developed these complications after discharge from our hospital. These complications are uncommon but can be potentially fatal and the treating physician should keep these complications as differential while managing such cases.

DOES COVID-19 INCREASE THE RISK OF DEVELOPING CYSTIC LUNG DISEASE?

SESSION TITLE: Late Breaking Chest Infections Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm PURPOSE: (1) Assess the characteristics of COVID-19 patients who developed pulmonary cysts, bullae, blebs, and pneumatoceles. (2) Investigate outcomes of patients who developed cystic lung disease from COVID-19. METHODS: A literature search using Pubmed, Cochrane, and Embase was performed for case reports from 2020 to 2022 describing COVID-19 patients who developed lung cysts, bullae, blebs and pneumatoceles. The following data were extracted: patient demographics, presence of underlying lung disease, history of smoking, maximum oxygen requirements during acute illness, imaging findings, complications, and patient mortality. RESULTS: 65 publications (11 case series and 54 case reports) with a total sample size of 76 patients were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 52.2 ± 15.8 years. A majority of the cases were males (n=67, 88.2%). Twelve (15.8%) cases had an underlying lung disease, such as COPD or asthma, and 16 (21.1%) cases had a history of smoking tobacco. We categorized severity of illness based on the levels of oxygen requirement defined as: (1) mild - 0 to 2 liters of oxygen, (2) moderate - greater than 2 liters of oxygen to face mask/venturi mask and (3) severe - high flow nasal cannula, non-invasive ventilation, or mechanical ventilation. The majority of patients (n=40, 52.6%) had severe illness while 7 (9.2%) and 17 (22.4%) presented with mild and moderate disease, respectively. Of the 25 (32.9%) patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation, duration of ventilator days was provided for 14 patients, with a median of 40 days (interquartile range=54). Twenty-one (27.6%) patients were found to have cysts on imaging, 26 (34.2%) were found to have bullae, 3 (3.9%) were found to have blebs, 15 (19.7%) were found to have pneumatoceles, and 11 (14.5%) were found to have more than one of the aforementioned findings. A total of 53 (69.7%) patients developed pneumothorax and 12 (15.8%) developed pneumomediastinum. Seventeen (22.4%) patients were on the mechanical ventilator while pulmonary complications occurred. Additionally, 41 (53.9%) required chest tube placement, 16 (21.1%) required surgical intervention including open thoracotomy or video assisted thoracoscopy. A total of 47 (61.8%) cases reported either resolution of symptoms and complications, or improved imaging findings following interventions. The rate of inpatient mortality was 11.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe COVID-19 may have a higher risk for developing cystic lung disease, hence, increasing the risk for complications such as pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients who had severe COVID-19 may benefit from closer follow up and serial imaging for early detection of cystic lung disease. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Kavita Batra No relevant relationships by Rajany Dy No relevant relationships by Christina Fanous No relevant relationships by Wilbur Ji No relevant relationships by Max Nguyen No relevant relationships by Omar Sanyurah

EXTENSIVE PNEUMATOCELES DUE TO PNEUMOCYSTIS JIROVECI PNEUMONIA IN A PATIENT NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH HIV INFECTION

SESSION TITLE: Rare Pulmonary Infections SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 01:35 pm - 02:35 pm INTRODUCTION: Pneumatoceles are air-filled cavitary lesions that are rarely seen in the lung after infection, trauma, or as part of a more diffuse cystic disease process. Several infectious agents have been associated with pneumatoceles, one of them being Pneumocystis Jirovecii, a potentially life-threatening fungus commonly seen as an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. We present a case of bilateral extensive pneumatocele in a newly diagnosed HIV patient found to be positive for Pneumocystis pneumonia CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old female presented to the emergency room for 2 months of shortness of breath, body aches, and chills. She was saturating at 86% on room air on arrival. Initial chest x-ray showed bilateral airspace disease. Had additional history of daily smoking, polysubstance abuse, and poor follow-up with doctors’ appointments due to social issues. She was started on oxygen support, steroids, antibiotics, and IV fluids. Labs were notable for normal overall WBC count but low lymphocyte count of 0.4. A CT Angiogram of the chest showed moderate to severe diffuse bilateral gas-filled cystic structures throughout the lungs, consistent with pneumatoceles. Infectious workup performed: COVID PCR, Influenza A/B antigen, legionella antigen, strep. pneumoniae antigen, B-D-glucan assay, histoplasma and blastomyces antigens, and HIV antibody. HIV antibody, strep pneumo antigen, and B-D-glucan assay came positive. She did not have a known diagnosis of HIV prior to this admission. Antibiotic regimen was changed to ceftriaxone, azithromycin, Bactrim, and fluconazole. Bronchoscopy with lavage was performed. Lavage samples were sent for cytology and found to be positive for Pneumocystis on GMS stain HIV viral load was checked and found to be at 1.4 million copies. CD4 count was less than 25 Patient was started on antiretroviral therapy in addition to prolonged course of Bactrim. She was ultimately discharged from the hospital in stable condition with pulmonary and infectious disease follow-up. At this time her pneumatoceles have improved on follow-up imaging. DISCUSSION: Pneumatoceles can rarely present as a complication of PCP pneumonia and can be a marker of more advanced disease. In our patient, pneumatoceles were identified first followed by diagnosis of HIV and PCP pneumonia. Overall incidence of post-infectious pneumatoceles is low at 2-8%. Prompt treatment and careful monitoring is needed due to risk of mortality from underlying infection and progression to pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS: HIV with PCP infection complicated by pneumatocele formation is much less common due to improvements in HIV detection and screening for opportunistic infection, but should remain an important consideration in patients with unexplained cystic lung disease patterns, especially in patients without established outpatient follow-up or who don't see medical providers often. Reference #1: Thomas CF Jr, Limper AH: Pneumocystis pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 2004;350: pp. 2487-2498. Reference #2: Albitar, Hasan and Saleh, Omar M. Pneumocystis Pneumonia Complicated by Extensive Diffuse Pneumatoceles. Am J Med. 2019 May;132(5):e562-e563. Epub 2019 Jan 16. Reference #3: Ryu, Jay et al. Diffuse Cystic Lung Diseases. Frontiers of Medicine volume 7, pages 316–327 (2013) DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Clifford Hecht

LARGE BILATERAL PNEUMATOCELES COMPLICATING COVID-19 RECOVERY

SESSION TITLE: Using Imaging for Diagnosis Case Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary clinicians are all too familiar with the ground-glass and consolidative pulmonary opacities that are the hallmark of COVID-19 pneumonia on imaging. As the pandemic continues, we encounter an ever-growing list of complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pneumatoceles are thin-walled, gas-filled spaces within the lungs that occur in association with pneumonia or chest trauma and typically resolve spontaneously1 but may rupture and cause pneumothorax2. Reports of pneumatoceles due to COVID-19 are uncommon. In this case report, I describe a patient who developed large bilateral pneumatoceles as a complication of COVID-19. CASE PRESENTATION: A 25-year-old male non-smoker with no significant past medical history presented with dyspnea after a lab-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 nine days prior. Initial chest radiograph showed multifocal bilateral airspace infiltrates consistent with COVID-19 pneumonia. He was admitted for management of acute hypoxic respiratory failure and treated with dexamethasone, remdesivir, and tocilizumab. He required heated high-flow nasal cannula oxygen up to 60 LPM but did not require CPAP or mechanical ventilation. On hospital day 5 he developed increasing tachypnea and exertional desaturation. CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) ruled-out pulmonary embolus but revealed progression of bilateral infiltrates and extensive pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous air in the neck and chest wall, and no clear evidence for pneumothorax. The patient discharged on day 12 with oxygen but returned 2 days later with new onset hemoptysis. CTPA on admission showed new bilateral pneumothoraces and he was transferred to a quaternary hospital for intensive care where bilateral chest tubes were placed. Repeat CT Chest after lung expansion revealed bilateral cystic areas within the lungs initially concerning for necrotizing infection. Bacterial and fungal cultures were negative. Despite resolution of the pneumothoraces and removal of chest tubes, he continued to experience hemoptysis and chest pain. CT Chest demonstrated enlargement of now clearly very large pneumatoceles with air-fluid levels. After conservative management and discharge, a 6-week surveillance CT showed significant decrease in the pneumatoceles but a new moderate-to-large right pneumothorax. Ultimately after 2 more admissions and 90 days since COVID-19 diagnosis, he underwent wedge resection and mechanical pleurodesis for definitive management of secondary pneumothoraces. DISCUSSION: A pneumatocele, especially when large and containing an air-fluid level, may mimic hydropneumothorax, empyema, or pulmonary abscess among other diagnoses. Failure to recognize a pneumatocele and differentiate it from other conditions could lead to inappropriate treatment and cause patient harm3. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to recognize pneumatoceles as a potential complication in the post COVID-19 setting to guide appropriate management. Reference #1: Quigley, M. J., & Fraser, R. S. (1988). Pulmonary pneumatocele: pathology and pathogenesis. AJR. American journal of roentgenology, 150(6), 1275–1277. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.150.6.1275 Reference #2: Odackal, J., Milinic, T., Amass, T., Chan, E. D., Hua, J., & Krefft, S. (2021). A 28-Year-Old Man With Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, and Hemoptysis After Recovery From Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia. Chest, 159(1), e35–e38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2020.07.096 Reference #3: Jamil A, Kasi A. Pneumatocele. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing;2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556146/ DISCLOSURES: Speaker/Speaker's Bureau relationship with Boehringer Ingelheim Please note: 2018 to present Added 04/01/2022 by Erin Peterson, value=Honoraria

A CASE OF STERNUTATION-INDUCED SECONDARY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX IN A PATIENT WITH PNEUMATOCELE FOLLOWING COVID-19 PNEUMONIA

SESSION TITLE: Pathologies of the Post-COVID-19 World SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 10:15 am - 11:10 am INTRODUCTION: The development of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is one of the emerging post-coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) complications, more so in mechanically ventilated patients, during the acute phase of infection. High airway pressure delivered during respiratory support is commonly recognized as a potential culprit. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old male was hospitalized for a week for COVID-19 pneumonia with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and treated with oxygen supplementation (required high flow oxygen), remdesivir, and dexamethasone. No mechanical ventilatory support was needed. He had a history of significant smoking cigarettes and marijuana in the past. A week after the discharge, he re-presented to the hospital with complaints of worsening cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing following three episodes of vigorous sneezing. Computed Tomography (CT) chest revealed large left pneumothorax and right lower lobe pneumatocele. Immediate chest tube insertion relieved his symptoms. The final diagnosis of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pneumatocele rupture was made in a patient with a history of COVID-19 pneumonia. DISCUSSION: Cystic lesions resulting from alveolar damage (swelling, inflammation, and fibrosis) with parenchymal damage from the virus, along with barotrauma, are thought to cause pneumothorax. Few cases have been reported in patients without mechanical ventilation. High airway pressures delivered by high flow oxygen, fragile airways due to acute COVID-19 infection, and smoking might have predisposed this patient to pneumatocele, with sneezing leading to rupture and pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates pneumatocele as a sequela of COVID-19, with a risk of pneumothorax. Medical professionals should consider pneumothorax in patients who recovered from COVID-19 and present with new respiratory symptoms. Further studies are required to evaluate the need for routine follow-up imaging (CT chest) in post-COVID-19 infection for pneumatocele or pneumothorax. Reference #1: Marzocchi G, Vassallo A, Monteduro FSpontaneous pneumothorax as a delayed complication after recovery from COVID-19BMJ Case Reports CP 2021;14:e243578. Reference #2: Schiller M, Wunsch A, Fisahn J, Gschwendtner A, Huebner U, Kick W. Pneumothorax with Bullous Lesions as a Late Complication of Covid-19 Pneumonia: A Report on Two Clinical Cases. J Emerg Med. 2021 Nov;61(5):581-586. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2021.04.030. Epub 2021 May 9. PMID: 34916057;PMCID: PMC8106878. Reference #3: Nunna K, Braun ABDevelopment of a large spontaneous pneumothorax after recovery from mild COVID-19 infectionBMJ Case Reports CP 2021;14:e238863. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Ziad Alkhoury no disclosure on file for Mostafa Mostafa;No relevant relationships by Roshan Subedi No relevant relationships by Mohammed Syed No relevant relationships by Qi Wang

THE BEAST IN THE BEAUTY BOX

SESSION TITLE: Critical Care in Chest Infections Case Report Posters 2 SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Enterobacter species are notorious for causing nosocomial infection. They were found to be the third most common pathogen in the respiratory tract amongst isolates in the ICU. What makes the situation grim is the growing antibiotic resistance with regards to treating these infections. Such is the extent of this problem that in certain parts of the world the antibiotic sensitivity of Pluralibacter gergoviae is used as an indicator for the spreading antibiotic resistance in the environment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73 year old female with past medical history significant for hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and Coronary artery disease s/p stent placement in 2019 presented to our facility with a 4 day history of fever, cough and chest discomfort. She had tested positive for COVID-19 two days prior to presentation and was initiated on remdesivir, tocilizumab, and dexamethasone. She was initially managed on the floors but in view of her increasing oxygen requirement she was transferred to the critical care where she was intubated due to respiratory failure. She continued to spike fevers and was persistently hypoxic. Initially this was attributed to COVID pneumonia and a trial of convalescent plasma was also given. After 3 weeks, she tested negative for COVID-19 while still intubated and precautions were taken off. However, she continued to spike fevers. Repeat chest X-ray was done and it showed multifocal airspace disease with increasing opacification in the left upper lobe. Her endotracheal aspirate grew carbapenemase producing Pluralibacter gergoviae sensitive for ciprofloxacin. Subsequently, she was started on IV levofloxacin and received it for a total of 21 days. Her treatment course was complicated by prolonged intubation requiring tracheostomy and development of Pneumatocele. After stopping the antibiotics, she did not have fever and her white blood cell count was within normal limits. DISCUSSION: P. gergoviae is a known contaminant in intravenous fluids, invasive medical devices, eye cream, children's shampoo, skin cream, hand cleaning paste, and cleansing wipes. Over the decades due to selective pressure especially in the cosmetic industry from preservatives it has gained antibiotic resistance via overexpression of detoxifying enzymes, flagellin, modification of membrane structure/function. Improving patient's oral hygiene, implementing infection control protocols strictly in the ICU, minimizing invasive medical devices/catheters and educating the stakeholders shall help in curbing these incidents. Once identified, early Infectious disease specialist involvement can help choose an apt antibiotic regimen on the basis of existing antibiograms. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlighted the importance of close microbiological surveillance, minimizing occurrence of nosocomial infection and treating atypical organisms. Reference #1: Enterobacter gergoviae adaptation to preservatives commonly used in cosmetic industry M. Périamé,J.-M. Pagès,A. Davin-Regli 14 May 2014 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Abinesh Sekar

LIFE CYCLE OF A COVID-19-INDUCED LUNG CYST

SESSION TITLE: Post-COVID-19 Infection Complications SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has affected over 200 million people worldwide. Clinicians continue to observe unusual manifestations of this disease. In an attempt to improve our understanding of COVID-19 pneumonia, we present the details of one patient who developed large bilateral pulmonary cysts. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old woman with no known medical problems presented with the chief complaint of fever, nausea, vomiting, generalized weakness followed by difficulty breathing that developed over a few days. Her vital signs on admission included temperature 98.4° F, heart rate 104 beats/minute, respiratory rate 48 breaths/minute, O2 saturation 88 percent on 15 liters of oxygen through a non-rebreather mask, and Body Mass Index 42 kg/m2. The patient tested positive for COVID-19. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest to rule out a pulmonary embolism showed bilateral extensive ground-glass opacities and reticular and nodular opacities. She was intubated for acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Twenty days into the hospital admission, she was noted to have a bulla in the right lower lobe. A repeat CT chest on day 45 revealed an increase in the number and size of cysts bilaterally. Patient was discharged to rehab and later readmitted for worsening respiratory status. This time she tested positive for human metapneumovirus. A CT chest showed increase in the size of the right sided lung cysts;the left sided lung cysts had resolved. DISCUSSION: The first COVID-19 related pulmonary cystic lesions were reported in May 2020(1). Since then, several reports have now established a relationship between an infection and cyst formation. The most common distribution is peripheral in the lower lobes. The pathogenesis remains uncertain, but several mechanisms have been proposed. Microthrombi in the pulmonary circulation could lead to ischemia and subsequent remodeling of interstitial matrix and bronchial obstruction with distal hyperinflation due to check valve mechanism. (1,2). Hamad et al. propose that pneumatoceles are formed by air leaked in to the interstitium which causes stripping and separation of a thin layer of lung parenchyma with further injury to the small blood vessels and bronchioles. The rate of barotrauma in non-COVID-19 related ARDS is 0.5%;the rate in COVID-19 ARDS is 15% (3). This suggests a close relation between COVID-19 pneumonia and subsequent development of pulmonary cysts. Our patient had no preexisting pulmonary disease and was noted to have pulmonary cysts after being on mechanical ventilation for almost 2 weeks. The patient later contracted the human metapneumovirus infection and CT showed that the right-sided lung cysts had become bigger in size. However, the left-sided cysts which had a maximum diameter of 4.8 cm had resolved. CONCLUSIONS: We need to follow patients with COVID 19 induced lung cysts clinically and radiologically to understand the clinical course and best management strategies. Reference #1: Kefu Liu et al. COVID 19 with cystic features on Computed tomography;Medicine (Baltimore) 2020May;99(18): e20175. PMCID: PMC7486878 Reference #2: Galindo J, Jimenez L, Lutz J et al. Spontaneous pneumothorax with or without pulmonary cysts, in patients with COVID 19 Pneumonia. Journal of infections in developing countries 2021;15(10);1404-1407 Reference #3: McGuinness G, Zhan C, Rosenberg N, Azour L, Wickstrom M, Mason DM, Thomas KM, Moore WH. Increased incidence of barotrauma in patients with COVID-19 on invasive mechanical ventilation. Radiology. 2020;297(2): E252–E262. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2020202352 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Arunee Motes No relevant relationships by Kenneth Nugent No relevant relationships by Tushi Singh No relevant relationships by Myrian Vinan Vega

Safe and effective administration of multiple recombinant factors on VA-ECMO via post-oxygenator pigtail during acute massive pulmonary hemorrhage

Introduction: Massive bleeding on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with multiple coagulation defects, including depletion of coagulation factors and development of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS). The use of recombinant factors, in particular recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa, Novoseven), to treat severe refractory hemorrhage in ECMO has been described. However, the use of multiple recombinant factors has been avoided in large part due to concern for circuit complications and thrombosis. Here, we describe the safe and effective administration of rFVIIa and recombinant von Willebrand factor complex (vWF/ FVIII, Humate-P) via post-oxygenator pigtail catheter on VA-ECMO for the treatment of massive pulmonary hemorrhage. Case Description: A 21-month-old (13.4 kg) girl with a recent history of COVID-19 infection presented to an outside hospital with parainfluenza bronchiolitis resulting in acute refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure (oxygenation index 58), refractory septic shock, and myocardial dysfunction. She was cannulated to VA-ECMO and subsequently diagnosed with necrotizing pneumonia from Pseudomonas and herpes simplex infections. Her course was complicated by a large left-sided pneumatocele and bronchopleural fistula requiring multiple chest tubes. She also had right mainstem bronchus obstruction from necrotic airway debris and complete right lung atelectasis. She was noted to have prolonged episodes of mucosal and cutaneous bleeding (oropharynx, chest tube insertion sites, peripheral IV insertion sites) associated with absent high molecular weight von Willebrand multimers consistent with AVWS. Tranexamic acid infusion was initiated and bivalirudin anticoagulation was discontinued. VA-ECMO flows were escalated to 140-160 ml/kg/min to maintain circuit integrity and meet high patient metabolic demand in the absence of anticoagulation. On ECMO day 26, she underwent bronchoscopy to clear necrotic debris from her airway to assist with lung recruitment. The procedure was notable for mucosal bleeding requiring topical epinephrine and rFVIIa. Post-procedure, she developed acute hemorrhage from her right mainstem bronchus, resulting in significant hemothorax (estimated 950 ml) with mediastinal shift, increased venous pressures, desaturation and decreased ECMO blood flow rate, necessitating massive transfusion of 2,050 ml (150 ml/kg) of packed red blood cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate. An airway blocker was placed in the mid-trachea to control bleeding. In addition to transfusion of appropriate blood products and continuation of tranexamic acid infusion, she was given both rFVIIa (100mcg/kg) and vWF-FVIII (70 units vWF/kg loading dose on the day of hemorrhage, followed by 40 units vWF/kg every 12 hours for 3 additional doses). Both products were administered over 10 minutes through a post-oxygenator pigtail to allow the product to circulate throughout the patient prior to entering the ECMO circuit. The circuit was closely monitored during administration and no changes to circuit integrity were noted in the subsequent hours while hemostasis was achieved. The ECMO circuit remained without thrombosis for 9 days after the bleeding event. Discussion: Balancing anticoagulation and hemostasis is a central challenge in maintaining ECMO support, especially given the prevalence of acquired coagulopathies such as AVWS. For our patient, AVWS contributed to mucosal bleeding necessitating cessation of anticoagulation and utilization of a high ECMO blood flow strategy to minimize circuit clot burden. This was further complicated by absent native lung function and minimal myocardial function, resulting in complete dependence on ECMO. An acute massive pulmonary hemorrhage was treated with multiple recombinant factors (rFVIIa and vWF/FVIII), that are often avoided on ECMO. To minimize clotting risk to the circuit and to maximize transit of these factors to our patient, we added a post-oxygenator pigtail for administration. While this approach was the result of extreme circumstances, th use of a post-oxygenator pigtail for administration of recombinant factors may represent a viable strategy for refractory hemorrhage while on ECMO.

Air leak syndrome in COVID -19 survivors: A retrospective study

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.

Head to Toe Imaging of Complications and Sequelae of COVID- 19 and COVID-19 Vaccination

Background. COVID 19 is associated with a hypercoagulable state with cytokine storm syndrome and thrombocytopenia leading to complications across various systems. COVID-19 infection, its treatment, resultant immunosuppression, and pre-existing comorbidities have made patients vulnerable to secondary infections Methods. We systematically reviewed COVID-19 cases between Jan to May 2021 for pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications. Patients with recent COVID-19 vaccination and neurological symptoms were also included. Results. Neurological complications: Neurological complications include ischemic and haemorrhagic strokes. Other complications are encephalopathy, encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, acute hemorrhagic necrotizing encephalopathy. Demyelination and radiculopathies are seen as post vaccination complications. Mucormycosis: Unprecedented high rate of invasive fungal sinusitis in association with COVID -19 is reported from the Indian subcontinent. This has a propensity for intra orbital and intracranial extension. COVID -19 associated coagulopathy: COVID -19 is a pro-inflammatory hypercoagulable state. Pulmonary thromboembolism, deep venous thrombosis and catheter related thrombosis are well documented. Cardiac complications: Cardiac manifestations include Myocardial Injury with non-obstructed coronary arteries (MINOCA), myocarditis, myocardial ischemia, cardiomyopathy. Pulmonary complications and sequelae of COVID -19: Progression of lung injury to ARDS during the initial phase and fibrosis of parenchyma in the recovery phase. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumatoceles and pneumothorax and secondary infections are identified in our study. COVID- 19 associated gastrointestinal complications: Patients evaluated for renal colic, pancreatitis, cholecystitis showed, ground glass opacities or subpleural bands in typical Covid-19 distribution. COVID-19 may lead of acute kidney and bowel injury due to arterial thrombosis. COVID - 19 associated myonecrosis: Ischemia of the small caliber vessels may result in myonecrosis. Conclusion. Awareness of these unusual manifestations will facilitate an early diagnosis, improve management and help reduce morbidity and mortality.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in post-COVID syndrome

Learning Objective Pneumomediastinum possible sequelae of post-COVID presentation with minor COVID infection Case presentation A 42-year male with Covid-19 pneumonia presented following an episode of presyncope with associated severe weakness and hemoptysis. The patient had Covid-19 pneumonia two months earlier and needed no hospitalization. At this presentation, he tested negative for Covid-19, with a 30-pound diet-related weight loss, brain fog, occasional shortness of breath, and night sweats since his infection. Respiratory rate 23/minute, occasional wheezing. Besides normal hemoglobin, WBC 12.7 with elevated ANC, normal electrolytes except slightly elevated chloride, D-Dimer of 0.85, ferritin of 907.8, CRP of 19.6, normal BNP, and normal troponin. Chest CTA demonstrated ground-glass opacities, small anterior pneumothoraxes, and moderate pneumomediastinum with a cystic lesion in the right upper lobe that may reflect a pneumatocele. Head CT and EKG were unrevealing. He was managed conservatively with breathing treatments and cough suppressants. The patient complained of neck pain the next day, and a repeat chest x-ray revealed subcutaneous emphysema in the neck area. Despite this, the patient had no further clinical manifestations during his hospital stay with stable pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax on follow-up chest x-rays with a reduction in subcutaneous neck emphysema. He denied repeat episodes of hemoptysis or presyncope and was subsequently discharged three days after admission with a followup chest x-ray in two weeks. Discussion Post-Covid complications including cough, dyspnea, and pulmonary fibrosis may contribute to alveolar barotrauma and subsequent pneumomediastinum, which may contribute to serious complications, including cardiac tamponade. Pneumatoceles are air-filled cavitary lesions usually seen post-infection, trauma, or more extensive cystic disease of the lung. The evolution happens post pneumonia, inflammation, and narrowing of the bronchus leads to the formation of an endobronchial ball valve, leading to the distal dilatation of bronchi and alveolar space. The obstruction is thought to be caused by inflammatory exudates in the airway lumen, permitting air to enter the cystic space but not to leave it. Subsequent enlargement of the pneumatocele occurs either due to pressure from the adjacent pneumatocele or intraluminal inflammatory exudates. 2 This case demonstrates the need to consider pneumomediastinum as a complication even in non-serious Covid infections with no acute hypoxic respiratory failure presentation. Conclusion Many case reports have detailed spontaneous pneumomediastinum in patients with active Covid-19 pneumonia, especially in intubated patients. Few publications have linked pneumomediastinum to post-Covid pneumonia. Pneumomediastinum should be an important consideration in patients with active Covid-19 and those who have recovered from even minor infection.

Post COVID-19 pneumo-hematocele: clinical presentation and treatment pathway.

OBJECTIVES: The appearance of characteristic pulmonary lesions has been noted after COVID-19, being described as post-COVID-19 pneumo-hematocele. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical, histopathologic, and imaging features of pneumo-hematocele and to suggest a treatment algorithm for these patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in patients admitted with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV2 infection from March 2020 to September 2021 who presented a pneumo-hematocele on imaging studies. Clinical and demographic variables were recorded, and CT scans were analyzed. A secondary analysis was performed to estimate the risk provided by the pneumo-hematocele diameter of developing pneumothorax. RESULTS: 37 patients were diagnosed with pneumo-hematoceles, 97.3% were males with a median age of 41 ± 13 years and 51% were smokers. The mean diameter of the pneumatocele was 6.3 ± 2.8 cm; they were more common on the subpleural surface and in the inferior lobe. Thirty patients had ruptured pneumo-hematoceles and developed pneumothorax (81.1%); a total of 26 patients required surgery (70.3%). Lesions measuring 5 cm had a high risk of rupture (OR 6.8, CI 95% 1.1-42); those measuring 3 cm were prone to this complication. For each centimeter that the pneumo-hematocele diameter increases, the OR for rupture increases 1.5. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that post-COVID-19 pneumo-hematocele occurs secondary to encapsulation of blood accumulation inside the lung, as a result of micro-capillary bleeding, with partial reabsorption of blood and subsequent air filling. We recommend surgery for patients with pneumo-hematoceles of 5 cm and those with persistent lesions of 3 cm. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05067881.

Post-COVID-19 pneumonia pneumatoceles: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumatocele formation in COVID-19 pneumonia is arguably a common occurrence. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of pneumatoceles, developing as a sequel of COVID-19 infection. We argue that pneumatocele formation in COVID-19 pneumonia is a common occurrence. Importantly pneumothorax, which can lead to a raised morbidity and mortality in these patients, can be a complication of a pneumatocele rupture. CONCLUSION: As pneumatocele in COVID-19 pneumonia patients can lead to life-threatening complications, we emphasize the need to formulate appropriate and standardized monitoring and management guidelines. Our literature review also discusses various plausible mechanisms leading to pneumatocele formation and points to management strategies that may prevent pneumatocele formation and its complications.

Bilateral multiple pneumatocele as a rare late complication of COVID-19 pneumonia

Pneumatocele is a cavity, which may develop rarely as a complication of pneumonia. It is more common in patients requiring ventilation support. After COVID-19 pneumonia, there are only several case reports described. Our case report is about a male patient without any serious commorbities. The patient had bilateral multiple pneumatocele which have formed in postacute phase of moderate course of COVID-19. Other possible causes have been exluded by a complex examination. During the follow-up there was a clear gradual spontaneous resorption of the finding. The patient is still in very good clinical condition. © 2021, SOLEN s.r.o.. All rights reserved.