Post COVID pulmonary complications: spontaneous pneumothorax;Pneumomediastinum: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a communicable disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Ranging from atypical pneumonia to respiratory failure & ARDS. The complications are pulm fibrosis, pneumothorax / pneumomediastinum, pleural effusion & TB. Development of a pneumothorax is emerging complications. Potential cause is structural changes include cystic & fibrotic changes leading to alveolar tears. Also Increase in intrathoracic pressure from prolonged coughing or respiratory support. However, pneumothorax was rare complication all patients required placement of chest tube. The reactivation of tb due to decreased in built immunity or due to steroids. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective review. Cases were collected from Govt medical college Kota. Clinical, radiological, demographic and laboratory data were collected. Also Diagnosed with pulm complications. Results: 50 cases were included. Study done btw November 2020 to August 2021. 34 patients covid RT PCR positive, 16 patients were negative (positive in CT). 40 patients were hospitalized, 10 were home isolated during covid infection. Hydropneumo/pneumothorax develop in 12 (24%), with associated pneumomediastinum in 3 (6%) patients, primary tb or reactivation tb in 8 (16%), pleural effusion 1 (2%) patient. post covid fibrosis was found in most of cases 41 (82%). Conclusion: COVID 19 affect the whole body, the post covid fibrosis is main complications. both pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum may be present during or after SARS COVID 19 pneumonia even in non-intubated patients.