Ipsilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema after drainage of a spontaneous pneumothorax: a case report

Anna Conen,Ladina Joos,Roland Bingisser

doi:10.1186/1752-1947-1-107

Anna Conen, Ladina Joos + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-1-107

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Abstract

We report a case of ipsilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema occurring after the insertion of a chest tube in a patient with spontaneous pneumothorax. The patient received supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather face mask to compensate for hypoxemia. 24 hours after the acute event, the patient recovered completely without residual hypoxemia. Reexpansion pulmonary edema after the insertion of a thoracic drainage for pneumothorax or pleural effusion is a rare complication with a high mortality rate up to 20%. It should be considered in case of hypoxemia following the insertion of a chest tube. The exact pathophysiology leading to this complication is not known. Risk factors for reexpansion pulmonary edema should be evaluated and considered prior to the insertion of chest tubes. Treatment is supportive.

Highlights

In 1958, reexpansion pulmonary edema (REPE) was first described by Carlson [1]
REPE is a rare complication occurring after the insertion of a chest tube for pneumothorax or pleural effusion
We report a case of a REPE after the insertion of a chest tube for a spontaneous pneumothorax

Summary

Introduction

In 1958, reexpansion pulmonary edema (REPE) was first described by Carlson [1]. Since this first description several case reports and case series have been published. We here present a case of ipsilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema occurring after the insertion of a chest tube in a patient with spontaneous pneumothorax. Journal of Medical Case Reports 2007, 1:107 http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/1/1/107 inspiratory chest pain without any further associated symptoms His medical history was unremarkable except for a smoking history of nine pack years. A second chest X-ray demonstrated an expanded left lung, and an ipsilateral pulmonary edema (figure 2). A third chest X-ray 12 hours after the removal of the chest drainage showed a completely reexpanded left lung and a decreased pulmonary edema (figure 4). During follow-up no CT scan of the chest was performed, because the conventional chest X-ray was completely normal and to prevent the young patient from additional radiation, even though the requirement of only low radiation doses for the quantification of pulmonary emphysema has been shown [14]. SFuigrvueriella3nce of oxygen saturation in correlation to the oxygen administered Surveillance of oxygen saturation in correlation to the oxygen administered

Discussion

Conclusion

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Findings

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