IPSILATERAL RE-EXPANSION PULMONARY OEDEMA AFTER DRAINAGE OF A SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX

• Published in: Journal of evolution of medical and dental sciences Vol. 3; no. 24; pp. 6623 - 6627
• Main Authors: Rao, K.N. Mohan, Sharma, Tarun, Reddy, Venkata Siva Prasad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Akshantala Enterprises Private Limited 16.06.2014
• Subjects: Analysis; Complications and side effects; Physiology, Pathological; Pneumothorax; Pulmonary edema; Risk factors
• DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2014/2792
• ISSN: 2278-4748

We report a case of an ipsilateral re-expansion pulmonary edema occurring after the insertion of an intercostal drainage tube in a young male patient with spontaneous pneumothorax. The patient was managed with oxygen via a non-rebreathing face mask to compensate for his hypoxemia. In about 24 hours after the event, the patient gradually improved and recovered completely without any residual hypoxemia. Re expansion pulmonary edema occurring after the insertion of an intercostal drainage tube for pneumothorax or pleural effusion is a rare complication with a high mortality rate up to 20%. This condition should be considered if the patient develops cough, dyspnea and hypoxemia following the insertion of a chest tube. The exact pathophysiology leading to this complication is still unknown. The risk factors for re-expansion pulmonary edema should be evaluated and considered prior to the insertion of chest tubes. Treatment remains supportive only.