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BMC Infect Dis
. 2020 Sep 9;20(1):662.
doi: 10.1186/s12879-020-05384-x.
The coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia with spontaneous pneumothorax: a case report
Xiaoxing Chen 1 , Guqin Zhang 2 , Yueting Tang 3 , Zhiyong Peng 4 , Huaqin Pan 5
Affiliations
- PMID: 32907540
- DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05384-x
Abstract
Background: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) that was firstly reported in Wuhan, China, with cases now confirmed in more than 100 countries. However, COVID-19 pneumonia with spontaneous pneumothorax is unknown.
Case presentation: We reported a case of 66-year-old man infected with COVID-19, presenting with fever, cough and myalgia; The patient received supportive and empirical treatment including antiviral treatment, anti-inflammatory treatment, oxygen supply and inhalation therapy; The symptoms, CT images, laboratory results got improved after the treatments, and a throat swab was negative for COVID-19 PCR test; However, on the hospital day 30, the patient presented with a sudden chest pain and dyspnea. CT showed a 30-40% left-sided pneumothorax. Immediate thoracic closed drainage was performed and his dyspnea was rapidly improved. With five more times negative PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 virus, the patient was discharged and home quarantine.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance for clinicians to pay attention to the appearance of spontaneous pneumothorax, especially patients with severe pulmonary damage for a long course, as well as the need for early image diagnose CT and effective treatment once pneumothorax occurs.
Keywords: COVID-19; Pneumonia; Pneumothorax; SARS-CoV-2 virus.