Acute respiratory failure secondary to megaesophagus: think beyond COVID-19.

ABSTRACT

A 61-year-old man with a history of progressive dysphagia in the last three years and current COVID-19 diagnosis, presented to our emergency department with sudden dyspnea and loss of consciousness. Initial examination revealed a respiratory rate of 30 bpm with an oxygen saturation of 94% with room air. A venous blood gas exam showed acute hypercapnic respiratory failure; therefore, he was intubated and admitted to the medical intensive care unit.