An unusual cause of spontaneous pneumothorax: Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis

Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is characterized by the escape of broncho-alveolar air into presence of air in the pleural space without preceding blunt or penetrating trauma. SP requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. SP is divided into two groups as primary and secondary. Primary SP is usually seen in tall and thin patients with no clinically evident underlying lung disease (especially in tall and thin subjects), whereas secondary SP cases have an underlying lung disease, such as cystic lung disease, cavitary lung lesions, severe asthma, emphysema or pneumonia. Patients with Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) may experience the SP during the diagnosis and treatment processes, and it is a significant cause of morbidity. However, late-onset SP after recovering from COVID-19 is unusual. Herein we present a case with post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis-like changes and subsequent late onset spontaneous pneumothorax (SP). We also present the patient's radiological findings. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Spontaneous pneumothorax is the escape of broncho-alveolar air into the pleural space without preceding trauma, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. It can be classified into primary and secondary types, affecting different patient populations. Patients with COVID-19 may also experience spontaneous pneumothorax, which can be a significant cause of morbidity.