Post-COVID-19 pneumonia pneumatoceles: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Pneumatocele formation in COVID-19 pneumonia is arguably a common occurrence. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of pneumatoceles, developing as a sequel of COVID-19 infection. We argue that pneumatocele formation in COVID-19 pneumonia is a common occurrence. Importantly pneumothorax, which can lead to a raised morbidity and mortality in these patients, can be a complication of a pneumatocele rupture. CONCLUSION: As pneumatocele in COVID-19 pneumonia patients can lead to life-threatening complications, we emphasize the need to formulate appropriate and standardized monitoring and management guidelines. Our literature review also discusses various plausible mechanisms leading to pneumatocele formation and points to management strategies that may prevent pneumatocele formation and its complications.