COVID-19-Associated Tension Pneumothorax in Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Case Series

Cureus. 2022 Jun 22;14(6):e26216. doi: 10.7759/cureus.26216. eCollection 2022 Jun.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome management secondary to coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been overwhelming for healthcare systems. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection can present with symptoms ranging from a mild flu-like illness to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients who develop coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and present with hypoxic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation typically follow ARDS physiology. Many of them develop complications including pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium. In this case series, we present multiple instances where patients with severe COVID-19 infections developed tension pneumothoraces during their hospital course.

Keywords: covid-associated pneumothorax; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (sars-cov-2); tension pneumothorax; tension pneumothorax in covid-19; tension pneumothorax on pocus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports