COVID-19 and Lung Cavitation: A Clue to Pathogenesis?

Authors

Tanner W. Norris, Sky Ridge Medical CenterFollow
Blake M. Snyder, Rocky Vista Health Center
Patryk Purta, Rocky Vista Health Center
Ryan P. Spilman, Sky Ridge Medical CenterFollow
Vanessa J. Craig, Critical Care and Pulmonary ConsultantsFollow

Keywords

lung cavitation; lung diseases; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19/complications; COVID-19/diagnosis; viral pneumonia; thoracic radiography; male

Disciplines

Infectious Disease | Internal Medicine

Abstract

Lung cavitation as a complication of COVID-19 is rare. A 56-year-old male presented with lung cavitation, small volume hemoptysis, and violaceous discoloration of the right great toe, 5 weeks after diagnosis with COVID-19 pneumonia. The digital changes were consistent with previously described microvascular changes called "COVID toe." CT angiography of the chest was negative for pulmonary embolism but showed a 2.5 x 3.1 x 2.2 cm cavitation within the right lung. Extensive evaluation for commonly implicated infectious and autoimmune causes was negative. We concluded that the cavitary lung lesions were likely a complication of COVID-19 pneumonia and may implicate microangiopathy as an important component of pathogenesis. This case highlights a rare complication of COVID-19 of which clinicians should be aware.

Recommended Citation

Norris, Tanner W.; Snyder, Blake M.; Purta, Patryk; Spilman, Ryan P.; and Craig, Vanessa J. (2022) "COVID-19 and Lung Cavitation: A Clue to Pathogenesis?," HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 3: Iss. 4, Article 6.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1361
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol3/iss4/6