Spontaneous tension pneumothorax and acute pulmonary emboli in a patient with COVID-19 infection #MMPMID32784238
Khurram R; Johnson FTF; Naran R; Hare S
BMJ Case Rep 2020[Aug]; 13 (8): ? PMID32784238show ga
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the structure and operation of healthcare services worldwide. We highlight a case of a 64-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with acute dyspnoea on a background of a 2-week history of fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. On initial assessment the patient was hypoxic (arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) of 86% on room air), requiring 10 L/min of oxygen to maintain 98% SaO(2) Examination demonstrated left-sided tracheal deviation and absent breath sounds in the right lung field on auscultation. A chest radiograph revealed a large right-sided tension pneumothorax which was treated with needle thoracocentesis and a definitive chest drain. A CT pulmonary angiogram demonstrated segmental left lower lobe acute pulmonary emboli, significant generalised COVID-19 parenchymal features, surgical emphysema and an iatrogenic pneumatocoele. This case emphasises the importance of considering coexisting alternative diagnoses in patients who present with suspected COVID-19.
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BMJ+Case+Rep 2020 ; 13 (8): ?
