A massive primary spontaneous pneumothorax during the recovery phase of H1N1 pneumonia – An issue of concern

Abstract

The H1N1 or swine flu outbreak in 2009 was a major pandemic. It is a subtype of influenza A virus that affects humans and has two surface antigens, which led to it being called the novel H1N1 flu. Some patients with swine flu may develop lower respiratory tract infections, which can result in respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In this case report, a patient with H1N1 pneumonia developed massive spontaneous pneumothorax during the recovery phase and concludes that, high pressure mechanical ventilation during the management of H1N1 pneumonia and persistent cough could be the reason for spontaneous development of pneumothorax. However, spontaneous development of pneumothorax in patients with swine flu pneumonia is rarely reported. We present an uncommon case of H1N1 pneumonia-induced pneumothorax that occurred during the recovery phase of the patient. This case report highlights the need for clinicians and healthcare teams to be aware of this potential complication during the post-recovery phase of the patient.