COVID-19-Associated Pneumatocele and Subsequent Pneumothorax

We report a case of pneumatocele and subsequent pneumothorax, 20 days after being treated for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and discharged. This 64-year-old patient was initially treated for COVID-19 pneumonia and pulmonary embolism (PE) over a two-week-long admission. He was discharged and then re-presented two days post-discharge with sudden exacerbation of breathlessness. Blood tests showed worsening inflammatory markers likely associated with bacterial infection, and imaging revealed multiple pneumatoceles and subsequent pneumothorax. Unfortunately, he rapidly deteriorated and passed away. This case report adds to the growing concern in the literature about the serious and life-threatening complications of COVID-19 infection and raises awareness of this rare complication.