Bilateral parapneumonic pleural effusion with pneumothorax in a patient with covid 19 pneumonia: case report

Abstract

Recurrent pyogenic effusion combined with bilateral pneumothorax is a rare complication associated with the COVID−19 infection. Current article presents the case report of a 68-year-old male with the severe community-acquired bilateral polysegmental viral COVID−19 pneumonia. Chest radiography on the 15th day after admission to the hospital showed the presence of air and pleural effusion in the right pleural cavity with collapse of the right lung. Thoracentesis and thoracostomy in the sixth intercostal space on the mid-axillary line were performed. About 1400 ml of a yellowish opaque liquid were evacuated from the pleural cavity. Pleural fluid analysis confirmed an exudative lymphocytic-rich effusion with no growth of acid-fast bacteria (AFB). In the pleural fluid such gram-negative bacteria as Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were cultured. Chest computed tomography obtained on the third day after thoracentesis showed radiological sings of bilateral hydropneumothorax. Needle thoracocentesis and new pleural drainage in the second intercostal space on the right midclavicular line were established. Five days later after the second drainage of the pleural space was initiated the patient was diagnosed with pleural empyema and transferred to the Surgical Clinic. This case report highlights that in patients with COVID-19 recurrent pyogenic effusion combined with bilateral pneumothorax may occur.