Pneumoscrotum, a Rare Presentation of Barotrauma Following Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

Abstract

Background: Patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia are at risk of hypoxemic respiratory failure. Hence, many patients may require noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) during their hospital course. Using mechanical ventilation such as bilevel positive airway pressure or a ventilator to provide NIPPV may result in adverse events, including barotrauma. Case Report: We reported two cases (40- and 43-years-old men) of severe COVID-19 pneumonia and hypoxemic respiratory failure who underwent NIPPV for respiratory support. These cases were complicated with barotrauma in their course of hospital admission that manifested with pneumoscrotum. Conclusion: In the cases of pneumoscrotum, it is crucial to understand its underlying etiology and origin since this clinical finding may be the outcome of life-threatening illnesses requiring urgent treatment.