Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo (Oct 2020)

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema in COVID-19: case report and literature review

  • Shi Shan,
  • Li Guangming,
  • Lei Wei,
  • Yang Xuedong

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-9946202062076
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 62

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide. Numerous studies have shown its typical and atypical CT findings. We report one COVID-19 patient who presented with a transient pneumothorax, spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SP), as well as subcutaneous emphysema during hospitalization. Chest CT andclinical findings were discussed, and a literature review is presented. The probable cause of SP in COVID-19 was alveolar damage. Once pneumothorax and SP were present, the patient should be carefully monitored to prevent respiratory deterioration, especially when lung lesions are severe.

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