Pneumothorax with Bullous Lesions as a Late Complication of Covid-19 Pneumonia: A Report on Two Clinical Cases.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) primarily affects the respiratory tract, causing viral pneumonia with fever, hypoxemia, and cough. Commonly observed complications include acute respiratory failure, liver or kidney injury, and cardiovascular or neurologic symptoms. In some patients, inflammatory damage results in long-term complications, such as pulmonary fibrosis, chronic pulmonary thrombotic microangiopathy, or neurologic symptoms. The development of spontaneous pneumothorax is reported as a rare complication mainly in consequence to mechanic ventilation in the criticall ill. CASE REPORT: We report 2 cases of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by spontaneous pneumothorax and bullous lesions of the lung. Bilateral giant bullae were observed in 1 of the cases. This complication occurred after an initial resolvement of respiratory symptoms (day 16 and day 29 after COVID-19 treatment was started). Initially, both patients had shown a rather mild course of COVID-19 pneumonia and no mechanical ventilatory support had been necessary. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This?: In both cases, COVID-19 caused alveolar damage and the formation of thoracic bullae with consequent spontaneous pneumothorax as a serious complication. Emergency physicans must be aware of this complication even if the initial COVID-19 symptoms have resolved. © 2021 Elsevier Inc.

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum and Pneumothorax in Nonintubated COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Case Series.

BACKGROUND COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, nasopharyngeal swab analyzed with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and computer tomography (CT) scan pathognomonic signs. The most common symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and dyspnea. The main complications are acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, kidney failure, bacterial superinfections, coagulation abnormalities with thromboembolic events, sepsis, and even death. The common CT manifestations of COVID-19 are ground-glass opacities with reticular opacities and consolidations. Bilateral lung involvement can be present, especially in the posterior parts and peripheral areas. Pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and lymphadenopathy are rarely described. Spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum have been observed as complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia during mechanical ventilation or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, as well as in patients with spontaneous breathing receiving only oxygen therapy via nasal cannula or masks. CASE REPORT We present 2 cases of pneumomediastinum with and without pneumothorax in patients with active SARS-Cov-2 infection and 1 case of spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient with a history of paucisymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. In these 3 male patients, ages 78, 73, and 70 years, respectively, COVID-19 was diagnosed through nasopharyngeal sampling tests and the presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Both pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, although rare, may be complications during or after SARS-CoV-2 infection even in patients who are spontaneously breathing. The aim of this study was to describe an increasingly frequent event whose early recognition can modify the prognosis of patients.

An uncommon presentation of COVID-19: concomitant acute pulmonary embolism, spontaneous tension pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema (a case report).

The presenting symptoms and features of COVID-19 are non-specific and may be extrapulmonary complications such as thrombotic disorders but also pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema; which are well-known complications of mechanical ventilation. Nevertheless, pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum, could complicate the course of a COVID-19 disease even in the absence of barotrauma involved. Herein, we report the case of a 55-year-old man with a previous history of erythroblastopenia due to thymoma admitted for COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who simultaneously developed spontaneous tension pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema and acute bilateral pulmonary embolism as presenting features of COVID-19 while on high-flow nasal cannula. This rare case highlights the importance of screening for other coexisting alternative diagnoses at the initial presentation of a patient suspected of COVID-19.

Post COVID-19 large pneumatocele: clinical and pathological perspectives.

A middle aged COVID-19 male patient presented 2 weeks after discharge with new onset of dyspnoea and desaturation. Radiological studies revealed right side pneumothorax and lower lobe cystic air space. Chest drain was inserted and on a later date the patient underwent thoracoscopic surgery where a large pneumatocele was identified. Deroofing and closure of sources of air leak were done. Histopathological examination demonstrated extensive fibrosis, intra-alveolar Haemorrhage and pneumocytes hyperplasia.

Is Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum a Poor Prognostic Factor in Covid-19?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM), its clinical course and effect on prognosis in patients with Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Kayseri City Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, from April  to September 2020. METHODOLOGY: All COVID-19 patients' clinical, laboratory, and radiologic characteristics, as well as treatment outcome data, were obtained through medical record extraction. Group A had 50 patients (22 men and 28 women) without SPM, and Group B had 20 patients (10 men and 10 women) with SPM. RESULTS: Considering the accompanying comorbidities, the frequencies of asthma and inhaler-use was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (p <0.05). In the CT evaluation at presentation, the rate of involvement of all five lobes of the lung in Group B was significantly higher than in Group A. Rates of tube thoracostomy, mechanical ventilator requirement, length of stay in hospital, and exitus were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: SPM development in a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia is a sign that the prognosis will not be good, and these patients need a more aggressive treatment. Key Words: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, COVID-19, Pneumothorax, Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Subcutaneous emphysema.

Case Report: Massive Spontaneous Pneumothorax-A Rare Form of Presentation for Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is a viral disease that is spreading worldwide and became a pandemic. Although most of the time, the symptoms of the infection are flu like, a percentage of patients develop severe forms, along with severe complications. Many of them are known among front-line health workers, but the number of uncommon presentations and complications has increased. This case report aims to alert healthcare workers on less common forms of presentation, and to introduce this differential diagnosis in the evaluation of patients with COVID-19, given the increasing occurrence of pneumothorax in patients who are not mechanical ventilated. Case presentation: A 57-year-old female patient came to the Emergency Department (ED) by ambulance, with acute respiratory failure. She had SpO2 = 43% on room air at home, and 86% on admission in ED after oxygen delivery (on a reservoir mask). SARS-CoV-2 infection was suspected based on symptoms that started three days ago (fever, dry cough, dyspnea, and fatigability). Blood was taken for lab tests, pharyngeal and nasal swabs for the reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) test, and native computed tomography (CT) was scheduled. The thoracic CT scan showed massive right pneumothorax, partially collapsed lung, multiple bilateral lung infiltrates with a ground glass aspect and the RT-PCR test came back positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite the prompt diagnosis and treatment of pneumothorax (thoracostomy was performed and the drain tube was placed), the patient died after a long hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP), as a complication in severe forms of COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in female patients without risk factors is rare, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential for increasing the survival chances of these patients.

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax in SARS-CoV-2 infection: A very rare, life-threatening complication.

In the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, the presence of acute respiratory failure is generally associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome; however, it is essential to consider other differential diagnoses that require different, and urgent, therapeutic approaches. Herein we describe a COVID-19 case complicated with bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax. A previously healthy 45-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department with sudden-onset chest pain and progressive shortness of breath 17 days after diagnosis with uncomplicated COVID-19 infection. He was tachypneic and presented severe hypoxemia (75% percutaneous oxygen saturation). Breath sounds were diminished bilaterally on auscultation. A chest X-ray revealed the presence of a large bilateral pneumothorax. A thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the large bilateral pneumothorax, with findings consistent with severe COVID-19 infection. Chest tubes were inserted, with immediate clinical improvement. Follow-up chest CT scan revealed resolution of bilateral pneumothorax, reduction of parenchymal consolidation, and formation of large bilateral pneumatoceles. The patient remained under observation and was then discharged home. Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax is a very rare, potentially life-threatening complication in patients with COVID-19. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this complication early to prevent potentially fatal consequences.

COVID-19 with spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema in the intensive care unit: Two case reports.

Real-Time-reverse-transcription-Polymerase-Chain-Reaction from nasopharyngeal swabs and chest computed tomography (CT) depicting typically bilateral ground-glass opacities with a peripheral and/or posterior distribution are mandatory in the diagnosis of COVID-19. COVID-19 pneumonia may present though with atypical features such as pleural and pericardial effusions, lymphadenopathy, cavitations, and CT halo sign. In these two case-reports, COVID-19 presented as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in critically ill patients. These disorders may require treatment or can be even self-limiting. Clinicians should be aware of their potential effects on the cardiorespiratory status of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Finally, pneumothorax can be promptly diagnosed by means of lung ultrasound. Although operator dependent, lung ultrasound is a useful bedside diagnostic tool that could alleviate the risk of cross-infection related to COVID-19 patient transport.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema in COVID-19 pneumonia: a rare case and literature review.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and pneumothorax (PNX) unrelated to positive pressure ventilation has been recently reported as an unusual complication in cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The presumed pathophysiological mechanism is diffuse alveolar injury leading to alveolar rupture and air leak. We present a case of COVID-19 pneumonia complicated on day 13 post admission by SPM, PNX and subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with no identifiable risk factors for such complication. The patient received medical treatment for his COVID-19 infection without the use of an invasive or non-invasive ventilator. Moreover, he is a non-smoker with no lung comorbidities and never reported a cough. He was eventually discharged home in stable condition. A comprehensive literature review revealed 15 cases of SPM developing in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Spontaneous pneumothorax and subpleural bullae in a patient with COVID-19: a 92-day observation.

This report describes a patient with COVID-19 who developed spontaneous pneumothorax and subpleural bullae during the course of the infection. Consecutive chest computed tomography images indicated that COVID-19-associated pneumonia had damaged the subpleural alveoli and distal bronchus. Coughing might have induced a sudden increase in intra-alveolar pressure, leading to the rupture of the subpleural alveoli and distal bronchus and resulting in spontaneous pneumothorax and subpleural bullae. At the 92-day follow-up, the pneumothorax and subpleural bullae had completely resolved, which indicated that these complications had self-limiting features.

Pneumothorax in COVID-19 disease- incidence and clinical characteristics.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pneumothorax is an uncommon complication of COVID-19 viral pneumonia. The exact incidence and risk factors are still unknown. Herein we review the incidence and outcomes of pneumothorax in over 3000 patients admitted to our institution for suspected COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of COVID-19 cases admitted to our hospital. Patients who were diagnosed with a spontaneous pneumothorax were identified to calculate the incidence of this event. Their clinical characteristics were thoroughly documented. Data regarding their clinical outcomes were gathered. Each case was presented as a brief synopsis. RESULTS: Three thousand three hundred sixty-eight patients were admitted to our institution between March 1st, 2020 and June 8th, 2020 for suspected COVID 19 pneumonia, 902 patients were nasopharyngeal swab positive. Six cases of COVID-19 patients who developed spontaneous pneumothorax were identified (0.66%). Their baseline imaging showed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities and consolidations, mostly in the posterior and peripheral lung regions. 4/6 cases were associated with mechanical ventilation. All patients required placement of a chest tube. In all cases, mortality (66.6%) was not directly related to the pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare complication of COVID-19 viral pneumonia and may occur in the absence of mechanical ventilation. Clinicians should be vigilant about the diagnosis and treatment of this complication.

Frequency of five unusual presentations in patients with COVID-19: results of the UMC-19-S1.

Despite SARS-CoV-19 infection has a stereotypical clinical picture, isolated cases with unusual manifestations have been reported, some of them being well-known to be triggered by viral infections. However, the real frequency in COVID-19 is unknown. Analysing data of 63 822 COVID patients attending 50 Spanish emergency department (ED) during the COVID outbreak, before hospitalisation, we report frequencies of (myo)pericarditis (0.71‰), meningoencephalitis (0.25‰), Guillain-Barré syndrome (0.13‰), acute pancreatitis (0.71‰) and spontaneous pneumothorax (0.57‰). Compared with general ED population, COVID patients developed more frequently Guillain-Barré syndrome (odds ratio (OR) 4.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.09-9.90), spontaneous pneumothorax (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.40-2.79) and (myo)pericarditis (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07-1.97), but less frequently pancreatitis (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.33-0.60).

A Case of Spontaneous Pneumothorax 21 Days After Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND At the end of 2019, coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was recognized as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, a city in China. There are numerous complications associated with COVID-19 infection, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, renal failure, circulatory shock, and multi-organ failure. Spontaneous pneumothorax following COVID-19 pneumonia is an extremely rare complication. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 49-year-old man with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus with an initial presentation of cough, shortness of breath, and fever. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia and rapidly deteriorated on the day of admission, requiring initiation of mechanical ventilation. The patient recovered clinically and was discharged home. He returned 21 days after discharge with a spontaneous pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare complication after apparent recovery from COVID-19 pneumonia. It is imperative that treating physicians are aware of this complication in order to recognize it early and treat it promptly.

CT imaging features of COVID-19 pneumonia: initial experience from Turkey.

PURPOSE: We aimed to demonstrate the computed tomography (CT) findings observed at the initial presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and reveal the most frequent infiltration and distribution patterns of the disease. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-five patients (87 men, 98 women; mean age, 48.7 years), who underwent RT-PCR sampling and high-resolution CT examination in our hospital between March 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, and got a definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 disease via initial or follow-up RT-PCR test, were included in the study. We comprehensively analyzed the most common and relatively rare CT imaging features (e.g., distribution pattern, density of the lesions, additional CT signs) in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (20.6%) had no evidence of pneumonia on their initial high-resolution CT images. Among 147 patients (79.4%) who had parenchymal infiltration consistent with pneumonia, 10 (6.8%) had a negative baseline RT-PCR test, and positivity was detected as a result of repeated tests. Most of the patients had multifocal (89.1%) and bilateral (86.4%) lesions. The most common location, right lower lobe, was affected in 87.8% of the patients. Lesions were distributed predominantly at peripheral (87.1%) and posterior (46.3%) areas of lung parenchyma. Most of the patients had pure ground glass opacity (GGO) (82.3%) followed by GGO with consolidation (32.7%) and crazy paving pattern (21.8%). Pure consolidation, solid nodules, halo sign, reverse halo sign, vascular enlargement, subpleural line, air-bronchogram, and bronchiectasis were the other findings observed in at least 15% of the cases. Halo sign, acinar nodules, air-bubble sign, pleural thickening and effusion, mediastinal and/or hilar lymphadenopathy were seen rarely (2%-12.9%). Pericardial effusion, pneumothorax, cavitation, and tree-in-bud pattern were not detected in our study group. CONCLUSION: Multifocal and bilateral GGO infiltration predominantly distributed in peripheral, posterior, and lower lung areas was the most common infiltration pattern.

Unusual presentations of COVID-19 pneumonia on CT scans with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and loculated pneumothorax: A report of two cases and a review of the literature.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and Loculated pneumothorax (LPNX) are both generally rare clinical and radiological conditions associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We report for the first time clinical data and radiological chest CT imaging of two patients affected by COVID-pneumonia associated with early radiological findings of SPM and LPNX.

Pneumomediastinum and spontaneous pneumothorax as an extrapulmonary complication of COVID-19 disease.

The new disease outbreak that causes atypical pneumonia named COVID-19, which started in China's Wuhan province, has quickly spread to a pandemic. Although the imaging test of choice for the initial study is plain chest radiograph, CT has proven useful in characterizing better the complications associated with this new infection. We describe the evolution of 3 patients presenting pneumomediastinum and spontaneous pneumothorax as a very rare complication of COVID-19 and their particular interest as a probable prognostic factor.

Thoracoscopic Bullectomy for Persistent Air Leak in a 14-Year-Old Child with COVID-19 Bilateral Pulmonary Disease.

Introduction: Thoracic surgery in children with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pulmonary disease is rare, as very limited virus-related lung lesions require intervention. However, some patients may suffer from other pulmonary abnormalities that can be worsened by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and they may consequently require lung surgery. COVID-19 affects the indications, surgical procedure, and postsurgical care of these patients. Background: We present a case of a 14-year-old girl with COVID-19 pulmonary disease and persistent air leak due to right apical bullae that required resection. Clinical, surgical, and safety implications are discussed. The role of thoracic minimally invasive surgery under COVID-19 conditions is also analyzed. Materials and Methods: The thoracoscopic procedure was scheduled earlier than normally expected. The surgery was performed in a COVID-19 reserved theatre with neutral pressure and only the necessary personnel was allowed inside. The use of the required personal protective equipment was supervised by an expert nurse before and after the intervention. Results: The surgeons used a three-port technique to resect the bullae with an endostapler and no mechanical pleural abrasion was added to the procedure. Electrocautery and CO2 insufflation were avoided, and a chest drain with a closed-circuit aspiration system was installed before removing the ports. The child was discharged home 3 days later after the removal of the chest drain. Conclusions: COVID-19 has an impact on the standard indications, surgical strategies and postoperative care of some conditions requiring intervention. Extra safety measures are needed in the operating room to limit the chance of transmission. Minimally invasive surgery for thoracic surgery remains safe if the current safety guidelines are followed closely.

Use of an antiviral filter attached to a pleural drain bottle to prevent aerosol contamination with SARS-CoV-2.

Pneumothoraces (1%) and pleural effusions (5%) are two of the less common complications of infection with COVID-19. Following a referral for a pleural drain insertion for a pneumothorax in a patient with COVID-19, we reassessed the infection risks involved in this procedure and its aftercare. Pleural drainage tubes attached to an underwater seal drain allow expulsion of aerosol and larger droplets via the vent from the bottle into the surrounding environment, potentially leading to infection of other patients and staff.Consequently, we chose to attach an antiviral filter to the venting port of an underwater seal drain bottle to mitigate this risk. A fluorescein dye experiment was used to demonstrate the reduction in aerosol emission output from the bottle with our described technique, allowing an antiviral filter to be attached to a pleural underwater seal drainage bottle for added protection of patients and staff in the local environment.

Spontaneous pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema in COVID-19 patient: Case report.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome virus coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As known, COVID-19 has become a global pandemic and serious health problem. Disease mainly affects lungs and common findings are fever cough and shortness of breath. Computerized tomography (CT) has an important role in initial evaluation and follow up of COVID-19. Main (CT) finding of the disease is bilateral extensive ground-glass opacification (GGO) with a peripheral or posterior distribution, mainly involving the lower lobes. In this case report, we present a pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema case in a patient with COVID-19. To the best of authors' knowledge, it is the first illustrated case of pneumothorax accompanying COVID-19 pneumonia.