Multiple rib fractures, pleural effusion and right-sided diaphragmatic herniation of the colon into the chest associated with chronic cough after COVID-19

  • Sanjana Chetana Shanmukhappa Rochester Regional Health/Unity Hospital, Rochester, New York, USA
  • Muhammad Ahmed Malik Rochester Regional Health/Unity Hospital, Rochester, New York, USA
  • Navya Akula University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University/Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
  • Fahd Shaukat Rochester Regional Health/Unity Hospital, Rochester, New York, USA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12890/2023_003812

Keywords

COVID, cough, hemothorax, respiratory failure, diaphragmatic hernia

Abstract

Rib fractures are an infrequent consequence of severe cough. In some patients, undetected rib fractures can lead to life-threatening outcomes. The case of a 73-year-old man who presented with shortness of breath and a worsening dry cough from a SARS-CoV-2 infection for 4 weeks is described. In the emergency department, he was found to be hypoxic and hypotensive. Imaging studies revealed a large right pleural effusion, multiple rib fractures, and right-sided herniation of the colon into the chest. He was admitted to the cardiothoracic intensive care unit where he underwent a flexible bronchoscopy, right video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, evacuation of a haemothorax, complete decortication, and repair of a diaphragmatic hernia. This case is an unusual presentation of an amalgamation of rare complications resulting from an unrelenting, poorly controlled SARS-CoV-2 infection cough that prompted rapid recognition and swift action.

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Published: 2023-03-18

Issue: 2023: Vol 10 No 3 (view)

Section: Articles

How to cite:
1.
Chetana Shanmukhappa S, Malik MA, Akula N, Shaukat F. Multiple rib fractures, pleural effusion and right-sided diaphragmatic herniation of the colon into the chest associated with chronic cough after COVID-19. EJCRIM 2023;10 doi:10.12890/2023_003812.

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