Bronchopleural fistula associated persistent pneumothorax in a patient recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Pneumothorax and bronchopleural fistula (BPF) are potentially fatal complications that can occur in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Early detection, appropriate treatment, and consideration of surgical intervention are necessary for optimum outcomes.
Introduction: Healthcare professionals face complex challenges as a result of the rare emergence of pneumothorax among the variety of COVID-19 complications, including severe viral pneumonia.
Case History: A 57-year-old male with multiple comorbidities diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia was admitted to our center and exhibited bilateral crepitations. During hospitalization, the patient developed right-sided pneumothorax that persisted despite chest tube insertion was linked to the presence of BPF.
Discussion: The occurrence of pneumothorax in COVID-19 patients is relatively rare risk factors for which are not yet fully understood, although smoking history may play a role. Conservative management is recommended for asymptomatic cases, while intercostal drainage is necessary for symptomatic patients. Surgical intervention may be required to manage the BPF in some instances.
Conclusion: Pneumothorax and BPF are rare but potentially life-threatening complications in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. Early recognition, appropriate treatment, and consideration of surgical intervention are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
(© 2023 The Authors. Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)