Medical Case Reports

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum as a complication of COVID-19 infection

A 46-year-old male patient presented with worsening shortness of breath, productive cough, and mild central chest pain two weeks post positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Computed Tomography imaging revealed evidence of COVID-19 pneumonitis complicated by spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM). This patient was commenced on standard treatment for COVID-19 pneumonitis, whilst the SPM was managed conservatively. Unfortunately, the treatment plan was complicated further by steroid induced psychosis and hence dexamethas one was stopped prematurelyDespite this setback the patient made good recovery and was discharged home after 6 days.

Rhiannon Worrall