Post COVID-19 large pneumatocele: clinical and pathological perspectives

Abstract

A middle aged COVID-19 male patient presented 2 weeks after discharge with new onset of dyspnoea and desaturation. Radiological studies revealed right side pneumothorax and lower lobe cystic air space. Chest drain was inserted and on a later date the patient underwent thoracoscopic surgery where a large pneumatocele was identified. Deroofing and closure of sources of air leak were done. Histopathological examination demonstrated extensive fibrosis, intra-alveolar Haemorrhage and pneumocytes hyperplasia.