Pneumothorax in Intubated Patients With COVID-19: A Case Series.

Pneumothorax is a rare complication among mechanically ventilated patients since low tidal volumes are used nowadays instead of traditional high tidal volumes, but the incidence is slightly higher in patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Herein we describe a case series of nine patients who were on mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and developed pneumothorax in due course. A retrospective analysis was done on COVID-19 intubated patients from March 2020 to June 2020 in a community hospital in Central New Jersey, which was one of the early hit states in the United States at the beginning of the pandemic. Outcomes were studied. The demographics of patients like age, gender, and body mass index (BMI); risk factors like smoking, comorbidities especially chronic lung disease, and the treatment they received were compared. We compared the total number of days on the ventilator, the highest PEEP they received, and the ventilator day when pneumothorax developed. All the patients who developed pneumothorax had a chest tube inserted to treat it. The mortality was noted to be 100% indicating that pneumothorax is a life-threatening complication of COVID-19 and COVID-19 by itself is a risk factor for pneumothorax likely due to a change in lung mechanics. There is a need for large-scale studies to confirm that these outcomes are related to COVID-19.

A Clinical Overview of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: The Medical and Surgical Management.

An inflammatory process involving the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, can be categorized as either acute or chronic and may present in one of many ways. The clinical manifestations of acute pancreatitis are generally limited to epigastric or right upper quadrant pain, while manifestations of chronic pancreatitis are broader and may include abdominal pain in tandem with signs and symptoms of pancreatic endocrine and exocrine insufficiency. An understanding of the initial insult, proper classification, and prognosis are all factors that are of paramount importance as it pertains to managing patients who are afflicted with this disease. Our review delves into the depths of pancreatitis by exploring the embryology and anatomy of the pancreas, the pathophysiology and etiology of acute and chronic pancreatitis, and the medical and surgical management of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Life-Threatening Retroperitoneal Hematoma in a Patient with COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that affects the human body in many different ways. The disease carries both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications, especially in those patients who are anticoagulated to prevent the thromboembolic manifestations. In this report, we discuss a case of retroperitoneal hemorrhage in a patient treated with therapeutic anticoagulation which ultimately led to the patient's death. The literature highlights the importance of anticoagulation because it reduces mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Although, more recent studies suggest that patients treated with therapeutic anticoagulation are at a higher risk of hemorrhage and increased mortality. Therefore, our case stresses the importance of active monitoring of these patients to detect any suspected case of hemorrhage early to reduce mortality. Overall, more research should be conducted to determine the optimal dosing of anticoagulation that balances safety and efficacy.

Postpartum Respiratory Distress Due to Hypertension-Related Pulmonary Edema.

We present the case of a 35-year-old female who presented to the emergency department (ED) shortly after undergoing a cesarean section with dyspnea. Her vitals on admission revealed hypertension, tachypnea, bradycardia, and suboptimal oxygen saturation. Physical examination was remarkable for crackles in the lower lung fields. Laboratory results revealed elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP), and D-dimer levels. A CT angiogram showed no pulmonary emboli, and an echocardiogram revealed a normal ejection fraction and no diastolic dysfunction. A chest X-ray was significant for pulmonary edema and vascular congestion. The patient was diagnosed with respiratory distress due to pulmonary edema that was secondary to hypertension. This unusual case report seeks to highlight the idea that elevated blood pressure in postpartum women should warrant careful monitoring, as its consequential manifestations may be lethal. Additionally, pulmonary edema secondary to hypertension should be considered as a differential in either postpartum or peripartum women who present with respiratory symptoms and elevated blood pressure.