Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema in COVID-19 pneumonia: a rare case and literature review.

Division

East Florida

Hospital

Kendall Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

12-12-2020

Keywords

COVID-19, Humans, Male, Mediastinal Emphysema, Middle Aged, Pneumothorax, SARS-CoV-2, Subcutaneous Emphysema

Disciplines

Infectious Disease | Respiratory Tract Diseases | Virus Diseases

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and pneumothorax (PNX) unrelated to positive pressure ventilation has been recently reported as an unusual complication in cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The presumed pathophysiological mechanism is diffuse alveolar injury leading to alveolar rupture and air leak. We present a case of COVID-19 pneumonia complicated on day 13 post admission by SPM, PNX and subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with no identifiable risk factors for such complication. The patient received medical treatment for his COVID-19 infection without the use of an invasive or non-invasive ventilator. Moreover, he is a non-smoker with no lung comorbidities and never reported a cough. He was eventually discharged home in stable condition. A comprehensive literature review revealed 15 cases of SPM developing in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Publisher or Conference

BMJ Case Reports

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