Bilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema associated with pleural empyema: a case report

Eur J Pediatr. 2011 Sep;170(9):1205-7. doi: 10.1007/s00431-011-1441-6. Epub 2011 Mar 11.

Abstract

Reexpansion pulmonary edema is an uncommon complication following rapid reexpansion of the lungs. The risk increases with a prolonged duration of pulmonary collapse, the amount of drained liquid or air, and with decreased time of draining. Treatment is supportive. In general, the prognosis is favorable. A nine-year-old boy was presented with fever, cough, and respiratory distress. Pneumonia and left-sided pleural empyema were determined and a chest tube was emplaced. Clinical deterioration occurred in just a few minutes following chest tube insertion. His chest radiography revealed a pulmonary edema in the left lung. Despite mechanical ventilation, antibiotics, and diuretic treatment, no significant improvement occurred. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunctions developed in the follow-up. The patient died on day 5 of hospitalization. In this report, a complicated reexpansion pulmonary edema with a lathal outcome in a 9-year-old child is presented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Chest Tubes
  • Child
  • Drainage / adverse effects*
  • Empyema, Pleural / complications
  • Empyema, Pleural / diagnosis
  • Empyema, Pleural / surgery*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / surgery*
  • Pulmonary Edema / etiology*
  • Thoracostomy*