Pneumatocele Manifestation in Early Recovery Period of COVID-19: A Case Study

In this case report, we review a case of pneumatocele in a 54-year-old Caucasian male patient diagnosed with infection of COVID-19 29 days prior, presenting with complaints of dyspnea and sharp pleuritic chest pain located in the left mid-axillary region exacerbated by deep inspiration with an episode of significant forceful cough a day prior. Preliminary labs were unrevealing for leukocytosis or neutrophilia, with normal troponins, and COVID-19 negative upon presentation. Radiographic imaging was significant for bilateral infiltrates in the left upper lobe, air fluid levels with initial concern for abscess but with subsequent inference of pneumatocele. Imaging was negative for pneumothorax. The patient was monitored, remained stable throughout admission, and discharged after work-up for fungal and bacterial infection were found to be negative with expectation of self-resolution of the pneumatocele. In this study, we overview the pulmonary impact of COVID-19 in the scope of pneumatocele occurrence in the early recovery phase of the viral illness.