Pneumothorax: A rare complication of COVID-19 pneumonia. A case report

Abstract

COVID-19 Pneumonia outbreak, started in China in December 2019 and spread world-wide.  Patient usually presents with flu like or lower respiratory symptoms. At times, patients display rapid respiratory decline which is attributed to the progression of covid-19 pneumonia. Pulmonary embolism and extensive pneumonia are common complications. Pneumothorax may be a rare complication which has commonly been reported in ventilated patients and could be a life threatening emergency. Early diagnosis and prompt management are detrimental for favorable outcome. We describe a 72 years old, male patient, admitted in covid-19 ward for COVID-19 pneumonia. Fever, dry cough and worsening shortness of breath were main complaints.  Chest x-ray revealed signs of low density consolidation in both mid and lower zones and pneumothorax on the left side. CRP, LDH, D. Dimer and serum Ferritin levels were raised. Covid-19 treatment started, chest drain inserted and patient was discharged after 15 days with full lung expansion.