Delayed recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax post-recovery from COVID-19 infection

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Pneumothorax is a known complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• Delayed onset of pneumothorax after COVID-19 recovery is infrequently documented.
• Spontaneous pneumothorax requires careful consideration in post-viral respiratory illness.

Observation:

• A previously healthy middle-aged male presented with delayed recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax four weeks post-COVID-19 recovery.
• The patient underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pleurectomy.
• The underlying cause of the pneumothorax remained undetermined despite surgical intervention.

Findings:

• The case illustrates a rare instance of delayed recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax following COVID-19.
• Uniportal VATS pleurectomy was performed, but the etiology was elusive.
• The patient's presentation underscores the unpredictable nature of post-COVID-19 respiratory complications.

Implications:

• Continuous monitoring of coronavirus disease 2019 survivors is crucial for identifying delayed complications.
• The unpredictability of COVID-19 sequelae necessitates a high index of suspicion for respiratory events.
• Thoracic surgery in patients with a recent history of COVID-19 presents unique management challenges.