Pneumomediastinum (PM) as a complication of COVID-19 disease

ABSTRACT

Case report Introduction: PM is a rare, but potentially life-threatening complication during COVID 19 pandemic, being reported in patients affected by COVID-19 pneumonia, even in the absence of mechanical ventilation-related barotrauma. Case details We reported the clinical data of 4 cases affected by COVID-19 pneumonia complicated with PM. Chest CT scan showed multiple confluent areas of ground-glass opacities, crazy paving pattern, PM, cervical subcutaneous emphysema, and pneumothorax in one case. Management included pharmacological treatment, oxygen supplementation and no acute intervention recommended by cardiothoracic surgery. Case 1 50-year- old male without past medical history, non-smoker, hypoxic on the day of admission. During the hospital stay, he continued to require increasing levels of oxygen and was subsequently flown to a tertiary care center for higher level of care. Case 2 38-year- old male admitted with a 7-day history of fever, dyspnea and cought. He continues to be symptomatic with neurological manifestations (COVID19 Encephalopathy). Finally whose dyspnea regressed during hospitalization, he was discharged at his own request to come for control. Case 3 73-year- old male with a history of hypertension, non-smoker, presented with complaints of shortness of breath for 1 week. He did not receive non invasive positive pressure ventilation. The pneumothorax and PM were managed conservatively. Case 4 53-year- old lady with no significant past medical history, presented with fever and cough for 10 days and worsening shortness of breath for two days. Progressive deterioration of respiratory function transferred her to the intensive care unit. In view of worsening hypoxia and increased work of breathing, she was intubated on the same day and was started on volume control ventilator support. Despite the support measures she developed multiple organ failure and passed 35 days after the symptoms initiated. Conclusion(s) PM is usually self-limiting and is managed conservatively. Treatment of the underlying causes and least damaging ventilator settings possible to achieve adequate oxygenation are the mainstays in managing PM. COVID-19 patients with PM seem to have a more complicated clinical course and poor outcome.