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Case report
Organising pneumonia manifesting as a late-phase complication of COVID-19
  1. Boon Hau Ng,
  2. Andrea Yu-Lin Ban,
  3. Nik Nuratiqah Nik Abeed and
  4. Mohamed Faisal
  1. Respiratory Unit, Department of Medicine, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  1. Correspondence to Dr Andrea Yu-Lin Ban; andreaban{at}gmail.com

Abstract

Acute COVID-19 usually lasts 4 weeks from the onset of symptoms. We report two cases of COVID-19-associated organising pneumonia (OP) occurring beyond 4 weeks from the acute onset of symptoms. Both tested positive for SARS reverse transcription–PCR 2 months before presentation with a resolution of respiratory symptoms. The first case presented with residual fatigue and worsening exertional dyspnoea. Chest CT revealed an OP pattern. The second case presented with worsening cough and new-onset pleuritic chest pain with persistent radiological consolidation. A transbronchial lung biopsy confirmed OP. Both patients responded well to 12 weeks of steroid therapy. This case illustrates the rare presentation of OP as a late sequela of COVID-19 and the good response to steroid therapy.

  • COVID-19
  • pneumonia (respiratory medicine)

This article is made freely available for use in accordance with BMJ’s website terms and conditions for the duration of the covid-19 pandemic or until otherwise determined by BMJ. You may use, download and print the article for any lawful, non-commercial purpose (including text and data mining) provided that all copyright notices and trade marks are retained.

https://bmj.com/coronavirus/usage

https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2021-246119

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors BHN wrote the case under continuous supervision of AY-LB and MF. BHN and NNNA discussed the case presentation, investigations and management. AY-LB and MF supervised and provided guidance on the 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.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.