A Case Report of Pulmonary Edema Secondary to Large Volume Bowel Preparation in a High-Risk Patient with Multiple Cardiopulmonary Co-Morbidities

Abstract

Introduction: Polyethylene glycol 3,350 and electrolytes is a commonly prescribed bowel regimen for colonoscopy preparation with an overall excellent safety profile, though prior reports have demonstrated risk of volume overload. Case Presentation: A 55-year-old man with significant cardiopulmonary co-morbidities was admitted for acute hypoxic respiratory failure and subsequent evaluation for lung transplant. As part of his pretransplant evaluation, colon cancer screening was advised. Despite multiple days of bowel preparation, his stools contained sediment. Unfortunately, he developed pulmonary edema due to prolonged bowel preparation. Conclusion: While bowel preparation is considered generally safe, our case report highlights the importance of judicious use with monitoring in high-risk individuals.