Air leaks, pneumatoceles, and air spaces in Covid-19 pneumonia

The recent report of SARS-CoV-2-related bilateral pneumothorax [1], and similar reports of covid-19-related bilateral pneumothorax [2 –4] appear to be a predictable consequence of the observation that SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary lesions have a predominantly peripheral and subpleural distribution [5,6], and may be associated with the presence of “emphysema “[5], “cystic air spaces” [6], or “cystic changes” [7], all three ter ms arguably synonymous with pneumatocele. Rupture of a pneumatocele, in turn, may be the trigger for occurrence of pneumothrax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium, respectively.
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research