Rare Complications of COVID-19 Pneumonia: Pneumomediastinum and Atrial Fibrillation

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is considered as systemic disease involving many vital organs in addition to the lungs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys. Pneumomediastinum associated with COVID-19 pneumonia is a rare condition usually seen in patients with underlying lung pathology, infections, or mechanical intubation. We presented a case of late diagnosis of pneumomediastinum and atrial fibrillation in COVID-19 patient undergoing Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV). Case: A 66-years-old male patient with a history of COVID-19 pneumonia and 19 days hospital follow up and a NIMV treatment was admitted to our emergency department with palpitations and dyspnea. Thoracic CT and electrocardiography revealed, scattered ground glass areas, pneumomediastinum and high-velocity atrial fibrillation, respectively. Conclusion: We recommend regular checks with imaging methods and ECG during follow-up in patients with COVID-19. Clinicians should remember that ventilator-related lung damage may be seen in COVID-19 patients undergoing NIMV.