Lung abscess as a complication of COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction/Objective: A lung abscess is a localized purulent inflammation of lung tissue with necrosis and colliquation. We are presenting a rare case of lung abscess formation as a result of the COVID-19 viral infection. Case report: An 81-year-old male patient with typical complaints (fever, malaise, fatigue) was examined at a designated medical centre for COVID patients. A positive PCR test and radiology findings confirmed a COVID-19 infection. Medication was prescribed according to protocol and he was sent home. During the night, 36 hours after the onset of the first symptoms, the patient developed breathing difficulties and a persistent, irritating dry cough. He was admitted to the Covid Hospital Karaburma, where he received treatment for 35 days. On the 22nd day after being released, the patient was examined at the Emergency Medical Centre, Clinical Centre of Serbia, complaining of dyspnoea, occasional hemoptysis and fatigue. The working diagnosis was pulmonary embolism. A multislice CT scan was ordered only to reveal a pulmonary abscess at the base of the left lung. Conclusion: A lung abscess is a rare, but possible complication of a COVID-19 infection. Therefore, patients should be regularly monitored for an extended period of time following hospitalization.

Keywords

• covid-19
• lung abscess
• complication