Article Text
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.
- infectious diseases
- pneumonia (infectious disease)
- pneumomediastinum
- respiratory medicine
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Footnotes
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Contributors TS is responsible for the overall content as a guarantor. He accepts full responsibility for the work and controlled the decision to publish. He managed the case with the rest of the authors. He performed the literature search and wrote the initial draft of the article and case description. HSA has provided the appropriate guidance to write and publish the article. He initiated and revised the article. Additionally, he participated in the direct management of the patient. CP has participated in the writing of the abstract, the lessons to learn section and the revision of the article. Additionally, he participated in the direct management of the patient. YR-F brought the idea of the article to the team and contributed in the revision and editing of the article. He participated in the direct management of the patient.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer-reviewed.