Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum Associated With SARS-CoV-2: Infrequent Complication of the Novel Disease

A 44-year-old male with no previous medical history or comorbidities presented with significantly increasing shortness of breath, myalgia, nausea, and fatigue. He had no diagnosed medical conditions and enjoyed good health prior to the episode of acute respiratory infection. There was no history of smoking, emphysema, or chronic lung diseases. CT revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities in predominantly peripheral distribution. Based on imaging spectrum and global pandemic of the novel coronavirus, typical SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection was suspected. Viral load was confirmed with biochemical data and laboratory results. Interestingly, despite intensive treatment, the patient developed sudden complications during the second week of his hospitalization. The symptoms started to resolve on pharmacological treatment and supplemental noninvasive oxygen supply over the next weeks. We illustrate and discuss the case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum as an uncommon manifestation of novel SARS-CoV2 chest infection. Even though our patient did not develop acute respiratory distress syndrome or further complications, the presented case highlights the importance of basic radiological monitoring of the disease in order to ensure prompt diagnosis of complications and appropriate subsequent management.

Keywords: coronavirus; pandemic; pneumomediastinum; pneumonia; sars-cov-2.