The Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (Feb 2021)

COVID-19 causing acute deterioration of interstitial lung disease: a case report

  • Mohamed Rafi Kathar Hussain,
  • N. Kulasekaran,
  • A. M. Anand,
  • Padma Reka Danassegarane

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43055-021-00431-2
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 52, no. 1
pp. 1 – 4

Abstract

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Abstract Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by multifocal diffuse lung involvement. Similarly, COVID-19 has varied multispectral organ involvement. Patients with underlying ILD and coexistent COVID-19 infection may lead to an acute blow to the already deceased lung. Case presentation A 58-year-old man presented with fever and cough with expectoration for the past 4 days associated with breathlessness. He was a smoker and alcoholic for the past 20 years. His saturation was low in room air around 84% and improved to 98% with 10 l/min of nasal oxygen. Further investigation shows acute deterioration of ILD. Conclusion COVID-19 infection has a spectrum of manifestations. Acute deterioration of ILD is rarely reported in the literature. Etiology should be investigated further.

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