Bilateral pneumothorax in COVID recovery: Tale of two cases

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly affects the lungs leading to complications of acute lung injury. Pneumothorax has been observed as a complication in COVID-19 cases requiring urgent intervention and may indicate poor prognosis in view of severe underlying lung damage. Bilateral pneumothorax is an even dreaded and rare complication requiring immediate recognition and management. We present two similar cases of bilateral pneumothorax with COVID-19 pneumonia with none requiring positive pressure ventilation and no preexisting lung disease. Our cases are a reminder about the severity of lung damage in COVID-19 and that a good vigilance is required in the event of an acute deterioration.