A rare case of re-expansion pulmonary oedema after medical thoracoscopy

Abstract

Re-expansion pulmonary oedema of the lung occurs after rapid removal of air or liquid from the pleural space by either chest drainage or thoracocentesis. Re-expansion pulmonary oedema is a rare but serious complication. A 29-year-old male patient presented to us with left-sided massive pleural effusion. We performed medical thoracoscopy; however, an hour after procedure, he started having cough and increased breathlessness. Chest radiograph showed left-sided homogeneous opacity in the left mid and lower zone consistent with unilateral pulmonary oedema. He was managed conservatively along with bi-level positive airway pressure non-invasive ventilator support. His condition improved gradually and was discharged successfully after 5 days.