Re-expansion pulmonary oedema

Clinical details are given of two patients who developed ipsilateral pulmonary oedema following re-expansion of their spontaneous pneumothoraces by intercostal drainage of air. The possible mechanisms underlying the oedema are discussed, and prior literature is analysed. Reference is made particularly to its predictability and to precautions recommended to minimize the frequency of this potentially fatal complication in the management of spontaneous pneumothorax.