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Unilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema: report of a case successfully
treated with continuous positive airway pressure
Kotoulas C., Siklis T., Nastoulis C., Chouliaras E., Laoutides G.
SUMMARY: Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication of thoracentesis
for pleural effusion or pneumothorax. The underlying mechanism of this condition
is unclear, but several mechanisms have been proposed. Significant morbidity
can result and death is reported in up to 20% of cases. We present a case of
ipsilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema following chest tube insertion for pneumothorax
successfully treated with continuous positive airway pressure. Pneumon
2004, 17(2):213-216.
Key words: Reexpansion pulmonary edema, pneumothorax, continuous positive
airway pressure (CPAP).
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