Development of bullous lung disease with pneumothorax following SARS-CoV-2 infection

• Published in: Respirology Case Reports
• Main Author: Abdullah H.; Wong Y.S.; Ibrahim M.A.; Natasya Musa A.; Jayaraman T.; Mohd Zim M.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: John Wiley and Sons Inc 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85136706851&doi=10.1002%2frcr2.1013&partnerID=40&md5=12b690a9b61c34adf5d66eb5ff177d13

Cystic lung formation secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was described during coronavirus disease pandemic, but with relatively low prevalence. A rare yet under-recognized complication is that these cystic areas may progress to bullae, cavities and pneumothorax. We reported two cases of ruptured bullae with pneumothorax following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Two patients were discharged following SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, which did not require invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). However, both patients presented again a month later with shortness of breath. Repeated computed tomography (CT) thorax showed development of bullous lung disease and pneumothorax. The first patient underwent surgical intervention whilst the second patient was treated conservatively. Development of bullous lung disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection is rare but may be associated with serious morbidity. Patients whose general condition permits should be offered surgical intervention whilst conservative management is reserved for non-surgical candidates. © 2022 The Authors. Respirology Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of The Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.