Extensive bilateral diffuse infiltrates and deterioration of lung following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in a pregnant woman: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the third member of the coronavirus family to cause global concern in the twenty-first century. Pregnant women are particularly at higher risk of developing severe viral pneumonia, possibly because of a partial immune suppression during their pregnancy. Under such critical and rapidly evolving circumstances, these poor findings might be helpful for the treatment of infected pregnant women with the 2019 novel coronavirus. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we report the case of a 33-year-old Asian pregnant woman at 25 gestational weeks with coronavirus disease 2019 who developed severe complications, including hypoxemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary infiltration, and bilateral pleural effusion. She died 1 month after admission to the hospital. CONCLUSION: Pregnant populations are especially at higher risk of viral pneumonia development caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Further research on the prevention and treatment of the new coronavirus is necessary.