Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to lung cystic lesions in a case of convalescent COVID-19: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: While spontaneous pneumothorax has been documented in COVID-19 patients, reports on recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax due to cystic lesions in convalescent COVID-19 patients are scarce. The progression of these lung cystic lesions remains inadequately explored. CASE PRESENTATION AND LITERATURE REVIEW: An 81-year-old male, a non-smoker with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, presented with fever, cough, and expectoration for 14 days. Initially diagnosed with moderate COVID-19, he deteriorated to severe COVID-19 despite adherence to local treatment guidelines. Successive identification of three cystic lesions termed "bulla" or "pneumatocele", and one cystic lesion with air-fluid level, referred to as "pneumo-hamatocele" (PHC), occurred in his lungs. Gradual improvement followed anti-inflammatory therapy and optimal supportive care. However, on day 42, sudden worsening dyspnea prompted a computed tomography (CT) scan, confirming a right spontaneous pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema, likely due to PHC rupture. Discharge followed chest tube implementation for pneumothorax resolution. On day 116, he returned to the hospital with mild exertional dyspnea. Chest CT revealed recurrent right pneumothorax from a remaining cyst in the right lung. Apart from our patient, literature retrieval identified 22 COVID-19 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax due to cystic lesions, with a male predominance (95.6%; 22/23). Diagnosis of pneumothorax and lung cystic lesions occurred around day 29.5 (range: 18-35) and day 26.4 (± 9.8) since symptom onset, respectively. Except for one patient whose pneumothorax occurred on day seven of illness, all patients eventually recovered. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to lung cystic lesions may manifest in convalescent COVID-19 patients, particularly males with COVID-19 pneumonia. Chest CT around 2 to 3 weeks post-symptom onset may be prudent to detect cystic lesion development and anticipate spontaneous pneumothorax.

Development of pneumatocele and spontaneous pneumothorax as a late complication of COVID-19 pneumonia.

SARS-COV2 pandemic has spread like wildfire and has affected all the countries worldwide. The virus mainly affects the lungs and has numerous manifestations. The development of spontaneous pneumatocele and pneumothorax has rarely been reported in the literature, especially in spontaneously breathing patients. We report two cases of COVID-19 patients who developed these complications after discharge from our hospital. These complications are uncommon but can be potentially fatal and the treating physician should keep these complications as differential while managing such cases.

[Cavitary lung lesions in COVID-19 associated pneumonia: a single-center study of 40 cases]. / Polostnye obrazovaniya legkikh pri COVID-19-assotsiirovannoi pnevmonii.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate clinical features and outcomes in patients with cavitary lung lesions and COVID-19 associated pneumonia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of 8261 patients with COVID-19 was performed. We selected 40 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Sex, age, hospital-stay, lung tissue lesion, comorbidities, treatment, methods of respiratory support, complications and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Cavitary lung lesions were more common in men (67.5%). Age of patients ranged from 28 to 88 (mean 64.9±13.7) years. Hospital-stay in patients with cavitary lung lesions was 9-58 (median 27.5) days. There were 18 complications in 14 (35%) patients. Pneumothorax, isolated pneumomediastinum, pleural empyema, hemoptysis and sigmoid colon perforation were considered as complications of cavitary lung lesions. Nine (22.5%) patients died (5 of them with complications). Three patients died after surgical treatment. Long-term results were analyzed in 8 (25.8%) patients. Patients were followed-up for 3 months after discharge. Shrinkage of lesions occurred after 7-60 (mean 23) days, and complete obliteration of cavities came after 32 (range 14-90) days. CONCLUSION: Cavitary lung lesions are a rare complication of COVID-19 pneumonia. There was no significant correlation of complications with age, sex, therapy, volume of lung lesions and non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Despite more common fatal outcomes in older patients undergoing NIV, the last one was prescribed exclusively due to disease progression and respiratory failure. Further research on this problem is necessary to identify possible risk factors of cavitary lung lesions.

[Risk factors of pulmonary cavitation in COVID-19 pneumonia]. / Faktory riska poyavleniya polostnykh obrazovanii legkikh pri COVID-19-pnevmonii.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors of pulmonary cavitation in COVID-19 pneumonia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 8261 patients with COVID-19 between April 2020 and March 2022. Inclusion criteria: age >18 years, COVID-19 confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Two cohorts of patients were formed: 40 patients with pulmonary cavitation and 40 patients without these lesions. Both groups were comparable in age, lung lesion volume and oxygenation. Sex, age, length of hospital-stay, CT grade of lung lesion, comorbidities, treatment, respiratory support, oxygen saturation and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated. The highest lung lesion volume during hospitalization was assessed. CT was performed upon admission and approximately every 5 days for evaluation of treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS Statistics software (IBM Corporation, USA). RESULTS: Patients with pulmonary cavitation significantly differed in age, SpO2, lung lesion volume, more common non-invasive ventilation and prolonged hospital-stay. Cardiovascular diseases were more common in both groups. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed age, cardiovascular diseases, CT-based severity of lung damage, absence of biological therapy and non-invasive ventilation as risk factors of pulmonary cavitation. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, these predictors were CT-based severity of lung damage and absence of biological therapy. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that pulmonary cavitation had no significant effect on mortality (OR=2.613, 95% CI: 0.732-9.322, p=0.139). CONCLUSION: The risk of pulmonary cavitation in COVID-19 is directly related to advanced lung damage and untimely or absent biological therapy with IL-6 inhibitors. Pulmonary cavitation in COVID-19 is not a typical manifestation of disease and can be caused by some factors: fungal infection, secondary bacterial infection, tuberculosis and pulmonary infarction. Further study of this problem is required to develop diagnostic algorithms and treatment tactics.

Multiple pneumatoceles and lung abscesses caused by early-onset E. coli sepsis in a preterm neonate.

Early-onset sepsis (EOS) is a serious and fatal illness in neonates, Group B Streptococcus and Escherichia coli are major causative pathogens. We report a case of EOS and pneumonia caused by E. coli in a preterm neonate with multiple pneumatoceles and lung abscesses. A male neonate weighing 1670g was delivered at 33 6/7 weeks' gestation by a mother with clinical chorioamnionitis. He showed respiratory distress soon after birth and developed septic shock. He was intubated and mechanical ventilation was started. E.coli was detected in blood culture obtained from both the patient and his mother. He developed multiple pneumatoceles and lung abscesses. Surgical drainage was complicated, cefotaxime was thus continued until day 74. Pneumatoceles and lung abscesses are complications of neonatal pneumonia, rarely reported by E. coli. Multiple lung abscesses in our patient are distinct from single abscesses in previous case studies of neonatal lung abscesses. We speculate that bacteremia along with pneumatoceles led to multiple lung abscesses in our patient. These complications require long-term antibiotic therapy, to minimize morbidity and mortality, and should thus be considered when managing EOS caused by E. coli.

Differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes for blunt versus penetrating traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts (TPPs) are under-reported in blunt trauma and rarely reported in penetrating trauma. Little is known about the impact of injury mechanism on the pathophysiology or the risk factors that predispose to worse patient outcomes. We hypothesized that blunt and penetrating TPPs have different clinical characteristics and outcomes. METHODS: Computed tomography imaging was evaluated for patients presenting at a level 1 trauma center with confirmed TPP from 2011 to 2018. Diameter was determined by largest dimension of the dominant TPP. Clinical variables and TPP features were compared for blunt versus penetrating trauma by using comparative statistics and multivariable analysis.e RESULTS: A total of 101 TPP patients were identified (blunt = 64; penetrating = 37). In penetrating TPP, rates of concomitant pulmonary laceration, hemothorax, and pneumothorax, were, respectively, 4.5, 3.1, and 1.4 times higher than for blunt TPP. Concomitant rib fracture was twice as common in blunt TPP as in penetrating TPP (69% versus 32%). For penetrating injury, the risk of complications related to TPP was increased (aOR = 5.3), specifically persistent/recurrent pneumothorax (aOR = 10.4). All deaths resulted from pulmonary hemorrhage (blunt = 3, penetrating = 2). Regardless of mechanism, air-fluid level and hemoptysis correlated with death (p < 0.02) and all patients with hemoptysis required pulmonary intervention (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Penetrating TPPs demonstrate a unique pattern of concurrent lung injury and increased complication risk. Importantly, severe hemoptysis and air-fluid level may indicate risk of impending morbidity and mortality regardless of injury mechanism and should serve as an early warning sign for the trauma physician.

The importance of imaging in diagnosis of infected otogenic pneumatoceles.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous otogenic pneumatocele is a rare entity resulting from a pressure gradient between a dehiscent temporal bone and the intracranial space. Secondary infection can ensue in patients with concurrent otomastoiditis. The current study discusses the clinical presentation and imaging characteristics of two cases of secondarily infected otogenic pneumatoceles. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. RESULTS: Two patients were diagnosed with a temporal lobe abscess in the setting of otogenic pneumatocele. Diagnosis was aided by both CT and MRI demonstrating a diffusion restricting lesion within brain parenchyma in association with free air in close proximity to an underlying tegmen defect. CONCLUSION: Prompt diagnosis of a secondarily infected otogenic pneumatocele with CT and MRI allows for surgical drainage with closure of the tegmen defect to prevent further complications and recurrence.

Bilateral multiple pneumatocele as a rare late complication of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Pneumatocele is a cavity, which may develop rarely as a complication of pneumonia. It is more common in patients requiring ventilation support. After COVID-19 pneumonia, there are only several case reports described. Our case report is about a male patient without any serious commorbities. The patient had bilateral multiple pneumatocele which have formed in postacute phase of moderate course of COVID-19. Other possible causes have been exluded by a complex examination. During the follow-up there was a clear gradual spontaneous resorption of the finding. The patient is still in very good clinical condition.

Pneumatocele formation in a fatal adult pneumonia patient coinfected with Streptococcus pyogenes emm-type 3 and influenza A: a case report.

BACKGROUND: A pneumatocele is a transient thin-walled lesion and rare complication in adult pneumonia. A variety of infectious pathogens have been reported in children with pneumatoceles. We report the first case of adult pneumonia with pneumatocele formation that is likely caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and coinfection with influenza A virus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old Japanese man presented with a one-week history of fever, sore throat, and arthralgia. He was referred to our university hospital for respiratory distress. He required mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Bacterial culture detected S. pyogenes in the bronchoscopic aspirates, which was not detected in blood. Although a rapid influenza antigen test was negative, an influenza A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was positive. Therefore, he was diagnosed with coinfection of influenza A and group A streptococcus (GAS) pneumonia complicated by probable streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. A chest radiograph on admission showed diffuse patchy opacification and consolidation in the bilateral lung fields. Multiple thin-walled cysts appeared in both middle lung fields on computed tomography (CT). On the following day, the bilateral cysts had turned into a mass-like opacity. The patient died despite intensive care. An autopsy was performed. The pathology investigation revealed multiple hematomas formed by bleeding in pneumatoceles. CONCLUSIONS: There have been no previous reports of a pneumatocele complicated by S. pyogenes in an adult patient coinfected with influenza A. Further molecular investigation revealed that the S. pyogenes isolate had the sequence type of emm3.

Core curriculum illustration: pulmonary laceration.

This is the 44th installment of a series that will highlight one case per publication issue from the bank of cases available online as part of the American Society of Emergency Radiology (ASER) educational resources. Our goal is to generate more interest in and use of our online materials. To view more cases online, please visit the ASER Core Curriculum and Recommendations for Study online at: http://www.erad.org/page/CCIP_TOC.

Self-limiting Orbital Emphysema Following Ocular Evisceration and Demonstration of Nasolacrimal-Oropharyngeal Communication in a South African Ostrich (Struthio camelus australis).

A 25-year-old, male, sanctuary-owned, South African ostrich (Struthio camelus australis) was evaluated for orbital emphysema after evisceration of a nonvisual and chronically irritated eye. On initial ophthalmic examination, the ostrich's left eye displayed severe corneal fibrosis, broad anterior synechia, and a shallow anterior chamber, all suggestive of a previous corneal perforation. Conjunctival hyperemia and eyelid crusts were also present, reportedly associated with chronic rubbing. Evisceration of the left eye was performed by excising the eyelid margins, conjunctiva, nictitans, cornea, and intraocular contents. Four weeks postoperatively, a nonpainful, fluctuant swelling of the surgical site was noted. Trocarization of the surgical site verified orbital emphysema and served to temporarily decompress the orbit. Orbital emphysema reoccurred within 48 hours but gradually regressed without intervention over the subsequent 9 months. A Jones test was performed in the healthy, right eye and demonstrated clear communication to the oropharynx. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an evisceration performed on an ostrich and the first reported case of orbital emphysema in any avian species. It is probable that the emphysema noted in this case was secondary to nasolacrimal duct-oropharynx communication.

Lung disease in STAT3 hyper-IgE syndrome requires intense therapy.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary complications are responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates in patients with the rare immunodeficiency disorder STAT3 hyper-IgE syndrome (STAT3-HIES). The aim of this study was to expand knowledge about lung disease in STAT3-HIES. METHODS: The course of pulmonary disease, radiological and histopathological interrelations, therapeutic management, and the outcome of 14 STAT3-HIES patients were assessed. RESULTS: The patients' quality of life was compromised most by pulmonary disease. All 14 patients showed first signs of lung disease at a median onset of 1.5 years of age. Lung function revealed a mixed obstructive-restrictive impairment with reduced FEV1 and FVC in 75% of the patients. The severity of lung function impairment was associated with Aspergillus fumigatus infection and prior lung surgery. Severe lung tissue damage, with reduced numbers of ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 3 (ABCA3) positive type II pneumocytes, was observed in the histological assessment of two deceased patients. Imaging studies of all patients above 6 years of age showed severe airway and parenchyma destruction. Lung surgeries frequently led to complications, including fistula formation. Long-term antifungal and antibacterial treatment proved to be beneficial, as were inhalation therapy, chest physiotherapy, and exercise. Regular immunoglobulin replacement therapy tended to stabilize lung function. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its severity, pulmonary disease in STAT3-HIES patients requires strict monitoring and intensive therapy.

The first cohort of Iranian patients with hyper immunoglobulin E syndrome: A long-term follow-up and genetic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hyper-IgE syndromes (HIES) are distinct diseases characterized by recurrent cutaneous and lung infections, eczema, and elevated serum IgE level. METHODS: In this study, clinical manifestations, immunologic findings, and genetic studies of all patients with HIES in the Iranian national registry database were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 129 HIES patients with a median age of 14.0 (9.0-24.0) years were followed up for a total of 307.8 patient-years. Genetic studies showed heterozygous STAT3 mutations in 19 patients and homozygous DOCK8 mutation in 16 patients. The mean of National Institutes of Health score in STAT3-deficient patients was higher than in patients with DOCK8 mutation (P = 0.001). It was shown that the presence of pneumatocele and hematologic complication were significantly frequent in STAT3-deficient cases compared to patients with DOCK8 deficiency (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, the median IgE serum levels were higher in patients with STAT3 gene mutation than in patients with DOCK8 gene mutation (P = 0.02). The eosinophils' count was enhanced in patients with DOCK8 deficiency than in patients with STAT3 gene defects (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Specific molecular study of STAT3 and DOCK8 mutations in patients with HIES clinical phenotype could help the physician to definitively characterize the disease. Since HIES showed the highest rate of unsolved combined immunodeficiency, investigation of other genetic and environmental factors could also help in understanding the mechanism of remaining patients as well as providing strategy into therapeutic modalities.

Cervical pneumatocele: A case report and review of the literature.

A thyroidectomy is a safe and low-risk procedure done for a wide variety of thyroid disorders. Complications of a thyroidectomy are commonly due to damage of structures adjacent to the thyroid gland. In this case report, we present the case of a 39-year-old patient with a cervical pneumatocele a month after thyroidectomy for thyroid papillary carcinoma. The symptoms included neck swelling when speaking that resolved with rest. A follow-up neck CT scan found a collection of air anterior to the trachea most compatible with cervical pneumatocele. Exploratory surgery ensued and a pneumatocele arising from a tracheal subcutaneous fistula was cauterized. On follow-up laryngoscopy a month later, no further complications were found, and the patient reported resolution of symptoms. Tracheal injury following thyroidectomy is a rare complication and CT imaging can be helpful in diagnosing these complications and expediting management.

Pulmonary cyst newly formed after lobectomy in various underlying lung conditions.

BACKGROUND: It has been recently recognized that pulmonary cyst may develop after pulmonary resection, causing various symptoms. Most previously reported cases were after upper lobectomy in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD). CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1 was a man in his 70 s with interstitial pneumonia (IP). Right lower lobectomy was performed for metastatic lung tumor using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). On postoperative day (POD) 19, computed tomography (CT) revealed a large cyst at the upper interlobular surface of the middle lobe, with pneumoderma and pneumomediastinum. The cyst was incised, polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet and fibrin glue were applied, and the cyst was sutured. The sutured line was covered again with PGA sheet and fibrin glue. Case 2 was a man in his 70 s with COPD. Right upper lobectomy for primary lung cancer was performed using VATS. On POD 17, CT revealed a large pulmonary cyst at the apex of S6 and massive air leakage was observed. The same surgical procedure as that used in case 1 was performed. Cases 3 and 4 were healthy donors for living-donor lung transplantation. Two months after the right lower lobectomy in Case 3 and 3 months after the left lower lobectomy in Case 4, the patients had respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea and hemosputum. CT revealed a large cyst on the diaphragmatic surface of the right middle lobe in Case 3 and on the posterior mediastinal surface of the left upper lobe in Case 4. Cyst incision, soft coagulation, and application of PGA sheet with fibrin glue were performed in both cases. CT performed 1 year after surgery showed no development of a pulmonary cyst or air space in these four cases. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary cysts newly formed after lobectomy can develop not only in COPD or IP but also in healthy lungs. Our findings suggest that incision of the cyst and application of fibrin glue and PGA sheet with or without suturing the cyst wall is effective for management.

Pneumatocele-induced pneumothorax after COVID-19 infection in a 45-day-old infant.

Throughout the literature, many pathologic lung lesions and complications following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection have been reported including pneumatocele formation which could potentially lead to pneumothorax development. This case report discusses the clinical course of a 45-day-old male with respiratory distress, whose condition worsened over time. Investigations revealed elevated COVID-19 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies with negative COVID polymerase chain reaction (PCR) accompanied by radiologic evidence of pneumatocele formation, which was further complicated by pneumothorax. The clinical presentation of the patient was consistent with post-COVID infection but he had no history of contact with a sick individual which prompted further investigation of the source of the infection. Upon reviewing the history of the mother, symptoms consistent with COVID-19 around 32 weeks of pregnancy were revealed, which raises the possibility of maternal-fetal exchange of COVID-19 infection. This article presents the youngest reported patient with COVID-19 pneumonia that led to pneumatocele formation.

Resilience in the Face of Trauma: A Pediatric Case of Traumatic Pneumatocele.

Traumatic pneumatocele (TP) is a rare complication that can develop in the lungs following a traumatic event. These lesions are sometimes mistaken for congenital airway malformations. Multiple theories exist to explain the pathophysiology of this condition. This case study presents the clinical and radiological findings of a seven-year-old patient diagnosed with pneumatocele on thoracic imaging after a motor vehicle accident. A detailed evaluation of the patient's medical history and imaging led to the diagnosis of traumatic pneumatocele. This uncommon presentation, if not well understood, may lead to unnecessary interventions and significant anxiety for patients and their families. Given its rarity, awareness and a high index of suspicion are essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Pop Goes the Lung: Bilateral Pneumothoraces Due to Delayed Pneumatocele Rupture in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Worldwide medical and scientific communities are focusing on further understanding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) complications and its long-term impact on survivors. Pneumatocele cases are being reported more as a consequence of this virus and a cause of pneumothorax in certain patients. In this case vignette, we present a previously healthy male with COVID-19 symptoms who required hospitalization for hypoxia and who required readmission for bilateral pneumothorax from the delayed rupture of pneumatoceles. We describe this rare pathology and provide hypotheses for possible etiologies.

Emergent bedside management of a pneumatocele in a neonate via Fogarty catheter.

Persistent pneumatoceles in neonates increase mortality, and little literature regarding emergent treatment in a decompensating patient exists. We present the emergent management of a pneumatocele in a decompensating neonate by isolation with a Fogarty catheter.

Abrupt Bulla Formation by Visceral Pleural Detachment after Pulmonary Lobectomy: A Case Report.

Pulmonary bullae usually grow slowly and have thin walls. However, we have observed 2 cases of abrupt bulla formation immediately after lobectomy and during surgery. The pathologic findings of what can be called visceral pleural detachment are quite distinctive: these bullae had a broad base connected to the lung, and their walls were thick, including the full extent of visceral pleural and peripheral alveolar tissues, which suggests that the visceral pleura were detached from the distal alveoli. High transpleural pressure might be the key factor in the pathogenesis of this type of bulla, unlike previously known types of bullous lung disease.