A Complication of Pneumothorax and Pneumomediastinum in a Non-Intubated Patient With COVID-19: A Case Report

Abstract

COVID-19 disease can lead to multiple complications such as severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), coagulopathy, renal failure, cardiac and neurological complications. We describe a case of a patient who developed pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in the setting of COVID-19 without having ARDS or requiring mechanical ventilation. Our patient developed sudden onset of shortness of breath and desaturation. Chest X-ray and CT chest revealed pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. Though pneumothorax in pulmonary infection is most likely associated with increased airway pressure in acute respiratory distress syndrome and positive pressure mechanical ventilation. Pneumothorax is a life-threatening complication and if diagnosed early it can reduce mortality. In patients with COVID-19 infection, sudden clinical worsening with shortness of breath and desaturation should prompt the clinician to look for potentially treatable causes such as pneumothorax.