Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum and Pneumothorax in Nonintubated COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Case Series.

BACKGROUND COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, nasopharyngeal swab analyzed with real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and computer tomography (CT) scan pathognomonic signs. The most common symptoms associated with COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and dyspnea. The main complications are acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, kidney failure, bacterial superinfections, coagulation abnormalities with thromboembolic events, sepsis, and even death. The common CT manifestations of COVID-19 are ground-glass opacities with reticular opacities and consolidations. Bilateral lung involvement can be present, especially in the posterior parts and peripheral areas. Pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, and lymphadenopathy are rarely described. Spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum have been observed as complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia during mechanical ventilation or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, as well as in patients with spontaneous breathing receiving only oxygen therapy via nasal cannula or masks. CASE REPORT We present 2 cases of pneumomediastinum with and without pneumothorax in patients with active SARS-Cov-2 infection and 1 case of spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient with a history of paucisymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. In these 3 male patients, ages 78, 73, and 70 years, respectively, COVID-19 was diagnosed through nasopharyngeal sampling tests and the presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Both pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, although rare, may be complications during or after SARS-CoV-2 infection even in patients who are spontaneously breathing. The aim of this study was to describe an increasingly frequent event whose early recognition can modify the prognosis of patients.

An uncommon presentation of COVID-19: concomitant acute pulmonary embolism, spontaneous tension pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema (a case report).

The presenting symptoms and features of COVID-19 are non-specific and may be extrapulmonary complications such as thrombotic disorders but also pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema; which are well-known complications of mechanical ventilation. Nevertheless, pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum, could complicate the course of a COVID-19 disease even in the absence of barotrauma involved. Herein, we report the case of a 55-year-old man with a previous history of erythroblastopenia due to thymoma admitted for COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who simultaneously developed spontaneous tension pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema and acute bilateral pulmonary embolism as presenting features of COVID-19 while on high-flow nasal cannula. This rare case highlights the importance of screening for other coexisting alternative diagnoses at the initial presentation of a patient suspected of COVID-19.

Neumomediastino espontáneo en contexto de afectación por COVID-19 / Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in the context of covid-19 involvement

El neumomediastino espontáneo en contexto de COVID-19 es una afectación rara y producida por aumento de la presión intratorácica sobre daño alveolar difuso en los casos de afectación grave. En principio se considera un cuadro autolimitado que responde favorablemente a medidas terapéuticas conservadoras. No obstante, se recomienda su vigilancia estrecha debido a sus posibilidades de complicación cardiovascular y respiratoria (AU)

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in the context of COVID-19 is a rare condition caused by increased intrathoracic pressure on diffuse alveolar damage in cases of severe disease. In principle, it is considered a self-limited condition that responds favorably to conservative therapeutic measures. However, close monitoring is recommended due to its potential for cardiovascular and respiratory complications (AU)

A Unique Case of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in a Patient With COVID-19 and Influenza Coinfection.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is reported in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and influenza infection independently, usually associated with noninvasive and mechanical ventilation. We report a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a patient with COVID-19 and influenza coinfection. A 58-year-old male admitted with shortness of breath, diagnosed with COVID-19 and influenza infection. A computed tomography angiogram showed pneumomediastinum. He was treated conservatively with 15 L of oxygen, remdesivir, convalescent plasma, and oseltamivir. The case is being reported for its uniqueness since this is the first documented case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 and influenza coinfection.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in a non-intubated COVID-19 patient: a case report.

The development of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are few of the rare clinical manifestations observed in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients which are yet to be fully understood. Most cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum arise due to factors causing high intra-alveolar pressure. Herein, we report a case of a COVID-19 positive elderly male, who presented with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema unrelated to high-pressure ventilatory measures, detected on chest computed tomography (CT). Despite acute medical care, the patient progressed towards a more serious clinical course. Male gender and diffuse alveolar damage caused by COVID-19 seems to be the most relevant association in this case. However, we have enlightened other possible pathological mechanisms and their association with severity index of COVID-19.

COVID-19 with spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema in the intensive care unit: Two case reports.

Real-Time-reverse-transcription-Polymerase-Chain-Reaction from nasopharyngeal swabs and chest computed tomography (CT) depicting typically bilateral ground-glass opacities with a peripheral and/or posterior distribution are mandatory in the diagnosis of COVID-19. COVID-19 pneumonia may present though with atypical features such as pleural and pericardial effusions, lymphadenopathy, cavitations, and CT halo sign. In these two case-reports, COVID-19 presented as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in critically ill patients. These disorders may require treatment or can be even self-limiting. Clinicians should be aware of their potential effects on the cardiorespiratory status of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Finally, pneumothorax can be promptly diagnosed by means of lung ultrasound. Although operator dependent, lung ultrasound is a useful bedside diagnostic tool that could alleviate the risk of cross-infection related to COVID-19 patient transport.

Pneumomediastinum: An Uncommon Complication of COVID-19 Pneumonia / Neumomediastino: una complicación poco común de la neumonía por COVID-19

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Spontaneous Pneumopericardium and Pneumomediastinum in Twelve COVID-19 Patients / Neumopericardio y neumomediastino espontáneos en doce pacientes con COVID-19

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Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum and Macklin Effect in COVID-19 Patients / Neumomediastino espontáneo y efecto Macklin en pacientes con covid-19

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Aspectos radiológicos de la neumonía COVID-19: evolución y complicaciones torácicas / Radiologic aspects of COVID-19 pneumonia: outcomes and thoracic complications

Los pacientes con COVID-19 presentan una evolución muy variable: desde enfermos con síntomas leves de corta duración a pacientes con enfermedad grave que desarrollan un síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo, con ingresos prolongados en unidades de críticos. Desde el punto de vista radiológico, la etapa inicial se caracteriza por una neumonía viral poco expresiva. No obstante, en algunos pacientes, con el inicio de la respuesta inmunitaria se produce un daño pulmonar agudo con patrones radiológicos de neumonía organizada y daño alveolar difuso. La enfermedad moderada-grave se asocia con una incidencia alta de tromboembolismo pulmonar, generalmente de distribución periférica y asociado al daño endotelial, encamamiento prolongado y coagulopatía de la enfermedad. Otras complicaciones relativamente frecuentes son: el neumotórax y el neumomediastino espontáneos por rotura de paredes alveolares, y el barotrauma en pacientes con ventilación mecánica. La sobreinfección es más frecuente en pacientes graves, generalmente de origen bacteriano y menos frecuente fúngico

Outcomes vary widely in patients with COVID-19. Whereas some patients have only mild symptoms of short duration, others develop severe disease that leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring prolonged stays in intensive care units. Radiologically, the initial stage is characterized by viral pneumonia with mild expression. In some patients, however, the onset of the immune response results in acute lung damage with organizing pneumonia and diffuse alveolar damage. Moderate-severe disease is associated with a high incidence of pulmonary embolisms, generally peripherally distributed and associated with endothelial damage, prolonged stays in bed, and coagulopathy. Other relatively common complications are spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum due to the rupture of alveolar walls and barotrauma in mechanically ventilated patients. Superinfection, generally bacterial and less commonly fungal, is more common in patients with severe disease

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema in COVID-19 pneumonia: a rare case and literature review.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and pneumothorax (PNX) unrelated to positive pressure ventilation has been recently reported as an unusual complication in cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The presumed pathophysiological mechanism is diffuse alveolar injury leading to alveolar rupture and air leak. We present a case of COVID-19 pneumonia complicated on day 13 post admission by SPM, PNX and subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with no identifiable risk factors for such complication. The patient received medical treatment for his COVID-19 infection without the use of an invasive or non-invasive ventilator. Moreover, he is a non-smoker with no lung comorbidities and never reported a cough. He was eventually discharged home in stable condition. A comprehensive literature review revealed 15 cases of SPM developing in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Neumomediastino espontáneo en pacientes con COVID-19: una serie de cuatro casos / Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in Patients With COVID-19: A Case Series of Four Patients

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COVID-19 and pneumothorax: a multicentre retrospective case series.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum have both been noted to complicate cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring hospital admission. We report the largest case series yet described of patients with both these pathologies (including nonventilated patients). METHODS: Cases were collected retrospectively from UK hospitals with inclusion criteria limited to a diagnosis of COVID-19 and the presence of either pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum. Patients included in the study presented between March and June 2020. Details obtained from the medical record included demographics, radiology, laboratory investigations, clinical management and survival. RESULTS: 71 patients from 16 centres were included in the study, of whom 60 had pneumothoraces (six with pneumomediastinum in addition) and 11 had pneumomediastinum alone. Two of these patients had two distinct episodes of pneumothorax, occurring bilaterally in sequential fashion, bringing the total number of pneumothoraces included to 62. Clinical scenarios included patients who had presented to hospital with pneumothorax, patients who had developed pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum during their inpatient admission with COVID-19 and patients who developed their complication while intubated and ventilated, either with or without concurrent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Survival at 28 days was not significantly different following pneumothorax (63.1±6.5%) or isolated pneumomediastinum (53.0±18.7%; p=0.854). The incidence of pneumothorax was higher in males. 28-day survival was not different between the sexes (males 62.5±7.7% versus females 68.4±10.7%; p=0.619). Patients aged ≥70 years had a significantly lower 28-day survival than younger individuals (≥70 years 41.7±13.5% survival versus <70 years 70.9±6.8% survival; p=0.018 log-rank). CONCLUSION: These cases suggest that pneumothorax is a complication of COVID-19. Pneumothorax does not seem to be an independent marker of poor prognosis and we encourage continuation of active treatment where clinically possible.

A rare case of Pneumopericardium secondary to COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed an unparalleled challenge to the medical communities and patients worldwide. This is the third coronavirus pandemic of the decade and worst so far in terms of the number of patients affected and related deaths. Although COVID-19 is a systemic illness, the respiratory system is obvious to be involved first, and takes most of the brunt of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Common upper and lower respiratory presentations could be sore throat, consolidation, ground glass opacities, and acute respiratory distress syndrome in severe cases. Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum are uncommon clinical findings in association with COVID-19. We hereby report a rare case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with a synchronous pneumopericardium.

Unusual presentations of COVID-19 pneumonia on CT scans with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and loculated pneumothorax: A report of two cases and a review of the literature.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) and Loculated pneumothorax (LPNX) are both generally rare clinical and radiological conditions associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We report for the first time clinical data and radiological chest CT imaging of two patients affected by COVID-pneumonia associated with early radiological findings of SPM and LPNX.

COVID-19-associated pneumomediastinum.

A case is presented highlighting the emerging association of COVID-19 with pneumomediastinum, even in patients who have never received mechanical ventilation or positive airway pressure.

Pneumomediastinum and spontaneous pneumothorax as an extrapulmonary complication of COVID-19 disease.

The new disease outbreak that causes atypical pneumonia named COVID-19, which started in China's Wuhan province, has quickly spread to a pandemic. Although the imaging test of choice for the initial study is plain chest radiograph, CT has proven useful in characterizing better the complications associated with this new infection. We describe the evolution of 3 patients presenting pneumomediastinum and spontaneous pneumothorax as a very rare complication of COVID-19 and their particular interest as a probable prognostic factor.