Tension pneumothorax

Case contributed by Yaïr Glick
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Verified COVID-19 patient, unvaccinated, with moderate-to-severe respiratory symptoms. History of asthma.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Alveolo-interstitial infiltrates, with peripheral and lower zone predominance.

3 days later - ETT placement?

x-ray

Properly placed endotracheal tube.

Several minutes later

x-ray

Right chest drain inserted at axillary line between 5th and 6th ribs, its tip projected between anterior arches of 3rd and 4th ribs, appearing too deep (abutting the pleura). Mild subcutaneous emphysema around point of drain insertion.

Several hours later

x-ray

Chest drain has been pulled out a bit.

Case Discussion

COVID-19 patient crashed and required endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation. Rapidly developed tension pneumothorax, most likely due to barotrauma. A chest drain was inserted, with expansion of the right lung.

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