Bhattarai P, Karki M. Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Young Male With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Following COVID-19 Infection.
Cureus 2024;
16:e52408. [PMID:
38371092 PMCID:
PMC10869316 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.52408]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Duchene muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder primarily affecting males. It is characterized by progressive muscle tissue degeneration. Patients with DMD are at an increased risk of respiratory infections, including coronavirus disease 20019 (COVID-19), due to weakened respiratory muscles. We present a case of a young male with DMD who experienced recurrent pneumothorax 10 months after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. The patient required prompt medical intervention, including a chest tube, multiple surgeries, and mechanical pleurodesis. This case highlights the importance of recognizing recurring pneumothorax as a potential complication of COVID-19, particularly in patients with underlying neuromuscular disorders, as it is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent respiratory compromise.
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