Simultaneous Spontaneous Bilateral Tension Pneumothorax Post COVID-19 Infection: A Case Study

Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare life-threatening condition that can cause severe respiratory distress, hypoxemia, and death. Spontaneous pneumothorax has been reported as an uncommon but severe complication in patients recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. Even fewer cases of spontaneous bilateral tension pneumothorax have been reported as a result of infection. We present a patient with spontaneous bilateral tension pneumothorax 18 days after COVID-19 infection. The patient’s symptoms began with a substernal tearing sensation and pain radiating to the back with dyspnea. Physical exam was significant for oxygen saturation of 75% on room air, tachycardia, and diminished breath sounds bilaterally. Imaging confirmed large bilateral pneumothoraces, and chest tubes were inserted emergently to restore lung volume. Pneumothorax is predominantly observed in those with severe infection but has been seen with mild symptoms as well. The development of pneumothorax is thought to result from diffuse lung injury that occurred from a cytokine storm during COVID infection. We speculate that our patient developed bulla as a result of infection, and the bulla spontaneously ruptured, inducing the bilateral collapse of the lungs. The mortality of such an event remains unknown, but without proper intervention, mortality increases significantly in these patients. As we continue to learn about the multitude of sequelae that can result from COVID-19 infection, pneumothorax should be considered in patients with a history of COVID pneumonia that presents with acute onset of dyspnea and chest pain. It is important to quickly recognize such cases as these patients have a narrow time frame for intervention, especially in the event of bilateral tension pneumothorax. Therefore, pneumothorax should be adequately assessed on initial examination, with the possibility of bilateral pneumothoraces in mind, to minimize morbidity and mortality.