Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 7, 2025
05:39
Author Spotlight: A Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Multimodal Analgesia and Sevoflurane Inhalation Anesthesia
Published on: May 26, 2023
1.7K
Simultaneous Spontaneous Bilateral Tension Pneumothorax Post COVID-19 Infection: A Case Study
Ciara June1, Chad Viscusi2, Burke DeLange3
1Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, Tucson, USA.
Cureus
|June 23, 2022
Summary
Simultaneous bilateral tension pneumothorax is a rare but life-threatening complication following COVID-19 infection. Early recognition and intervention are crucial for managing this severe respiratory condition and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Spontaneous pneumothorax, particularly bilateral tension pneumothorax, is a rare and severe complication.
- COVID-19 pneumonia has been associated with spontaneous pneumothorax as a post-infection sequela.
- Bilateral tension pneumothorax following COVID-19 infection is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A patient presented with substernal tearing pain, radiating back pain, and dyspnea 18 days post-COVID-19 infection.
- Physical examination revealed severe hypoxemia (75% oxygen saturation), tachycardia, and bilateral diminished breath sounds.
- Imaging confirmed large bilateral pneumothoraces, necessitating emergent chest tube insertion.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with spontaneous bilateral tension pneumothorax.
- The condition is hypothesized to result from diffuse lung injury and bulla formation secondary to the COVID-19 cytokine storm.
- Prompt intervention with chest tubes was required to re-expand the lungs.
Implications:
- Pneumothorax should be considered in patients with a history of COVID-19 pneumonia presenting with acute dyspnea and chest pain.
- Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical, especially in cases of bilateral tension pneumothorax, to reduce mortality.
- This case highlights the diverse and potentially severe respiratory sequelae of COVID-19 infection.
Keywords:
covid-19 infectioncovid-19 pneumoniapneumothoraxsars-cov-2spontaneous bilateral pneumothoraxtension pneumothoraxMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pneumothorax-II
343
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
343
01:26Pneumothorax-I
329
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
329
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
262
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
262
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
482
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
482
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
425
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
425
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
41
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
41