Reexpansion pulmonary edema
Background
- Incidence may be as low as 1% or as high as 14%[1]
Risk Factors
Poorly understood, but may include:
- PTX > 30% in size
- PTX symptoms for prolonged time, > 3 days
Prevention
- Consider using smaller bore chest tubes
- Other strategies include applying water seal only or attaching only a Heimlich valve without suction
Clinical Features
- Typically progresses over 2 days immediately after thoracentesis
- After 2 days, subsequent rapid improvement
Differential Diagnosis
Evaluation
- Radiographic opacities in previously collapsed lung
Management
- Supportive, as is with other forms of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema
- If a patient requires intubation, positive pressure ventilation improves symptoms after 24-48 hours
Disposition
See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ Mukhopadhyay A, Mitra M, Chakrabati S. Reexpansion pulmonary edema following thoracentesis. J Assoc Chest Physicians [serial online] 2016 [cited 2018 Oct 11];4:30-2. Available from: http://www.jacpjournal.org/text.asp?2016/4/1/30/159871.