[Uncommon cause of respiratory distress in the post-anaesthesia care unit]

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2004 Mar;23(2):138-41. doi: 10.1016/j.annfar.2003.11.012.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report a case of respiratory distress in the post anesthesia care unit following general anaesthesia for a dilatation and curettage related to miscarriage in a 32-year-old woman. The preoperative physical examination showed no abnormalities except for the presence of dry cough during the preceding two or three days. A few minutes after her arrival in the PACU, the patient developed hyperthermia till 40.6 degrees C, cough, polypnea and oxygen desaturation (SpO(2): 82% on FiO(2): 40%). A thoraco-abdominal angioscanner showed pulmonary basal condensations and a thrombosis of the right ovarian vein. The patient had to be transferred to the intensive care unit where she remained intubated and ventilated during 13 days because of a Haemophilus influenzae pneumonia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anesthesia Recovery Period*
  • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology*