key: cord-0873365-1i4lfzeu
authors: Mitzman, Brian
title: Similar Yet Different: The COVID-19 Pneumothorax
date: 2021-09-03
journal: Ann Thorac Surg
DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.07.098
sha: a7ffca577fe3fb22092a610459db37bde7fd9278
doc_id: 873365
cord_uid: 1i4lfzeu

nan

small bore chest tubes are less likely to lead to full lung re-expansion, and often became obstructed requiring upsizing. An additional sequela of COVID-19 are pneumatoceles, seen in a minority of patients during initial hospitalization or even months later. These can be treated by minimally invasive marsupialization if infected or related to persistent leak, but are largely asymptomatic and may regress in time.

As we enter yet another COVID surge, it's important to develop treatment algorithms and understand the latest data shows. Go straight to the large bore chest tube, expect a large air leak, and sit tight on those pneumatoceles. 

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