Air leaks in COVID-19 pneumonia

Turk Gogus Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Derg. 2022 Apr 27;30(2):281-285. doi: 10.5606/tgkdc.dergisi.2022.20763. eCollection 2022 Apr.

Abstract

The novel coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19), which was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and caused a pandemic, is mostly survived with mild symptoms, while invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation support is required in some patients. Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema may develop in COVID-19 patients. In this study, cases of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema in patients who were followed in the intensive care unit with the diagnosis of COVID-19 were evaluated. In conclusion, although rare, these complications can be fatal and increase the severity of the disease, which already has a high mortality rate in the intensive care unit. Early detection and management of these complications can reduce morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: COVID-19; pneumomediastinum; pneumothorax; subcutaneous emphysema.

Publication types

  • Case Reports