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

• Published in: Cureus Vol. 16; no. 3; p. e57339
• Main Authors: Karimi, Rayhan, Adlakha, Arun
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01-03-2024
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57339

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.