Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome During the COVID-19 Era

ABSTRACT

During the current pandemic, the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has quickly moved to the top of the list of potential causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients presenting to the hospital. Potential COVID-19 infections should continue to be quickly identified and treated when indicated, but it is important that we not forget about the other potential causes of ARDS. In this case series, we will discuss 3 cases of ARDS that were passed off as likely SARS-CoV-2 infections but were all discovered to be negative for COVID-19. This highlights the importance of maintaining a thorough history and physical examination during the pandemic to identify the other causes of ARDS and avoid the negative effects of frequency bias.