Early Diagnosis Aids in Successful Management of Rare Complications of COVID-19: Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Pneumomediastinum with Cytokine Release Syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic and a health problem of epic proportions. The disease is mild in the majority of cases. Respiratory symptoms predominate and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the commonest complication associated with the disease. Chest X-ray plays an important role in the initial evaluation and follow-up of COVID-19 disease at different stages, more so, in resource-limited settings. It is useful to monitor disease progression and possibly to exclude other unusual causes of dyspnea. In this case series, we present a rare manifestation in COVID-19-positive patients: spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum associated with the cytokine release syndrome (CRS) which was successfully managed at COVID care intensive care unit.