Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Inflammatory Pseudotumors Treated With Steroid Taper

Cureus. 2024 Mar 31;16(3):e57339. doi: 10.7759/cureus.57339. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

The aftermath of COVID-19 continues to unveil an array of pulmonary complications, extending beyond the acute phase of the viral infection. Among these emerging sequelae, we present the case of a 58-year-old individual who developed pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumors (PIPs) following recovery from COVID-19. PIPs are exceedingly rare benign lesions that can pose a diagnostic challenge due to their clinical and radiological resemblance to malignant neoplasms. Histologically, PIPs are characterized by a proliferation of myofibroblastic spindle cells accompanied by inflammatory infiltrates, including lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes. As our understanding of post-COVID-19 complications evolves, this case serves as the first exploration into the complex interplay between COVID-19 infections and the subsequent development of inflammatory pseudotumors. In this report, an investigation is performed into the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and successful management of post-COVID-19 PIPs with a focus on the pivotal role of corticosteroid therapy in mitigating the inflammatory response associated with this unique post-viral entity and resolution of the masses.

Keywords: cavitary lung disease; corticosteroid treatment; covid-19; latent tuberculosis infection; prednisone treatment; pulmonary inflammatory pseudotumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports