Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Postextubation pulmonary edema: a case series and review
Z Mulkey1, S Yarbrough, D Guerra
1Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States.
Young men without prior lung issues can develop postextubation pulmonary edema after surgery. This condition, often linked to laryngospasm, requires airway support and diuretics for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Postextubation pulmonary edema (PE) is a rare complication following airway removal.
- Identifying risk factors and understanding the pathogenesis of PE is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cases of postextubation pulmonary edema in patients without apparent risk factors.
- To characterize the clinical presentation and outcomes of this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients identified by a pulmonary consultation service at an academic medical center.
- Analysis of patient demographics, surgical procedures, and postextubation events.
Main Results:
- Fourteen cases of postextubation PE were analyzed.
- The average patient age was 34.5 years, with 12 males. None had prior lung disease.
- Laryngospasm was the most frequent postextubation event; treatment included airway support, oxygen, and diuretics.
Conclusions:
- Postextubation pulmonary edema can affect seemingly healthy individuals, particularly young men.
- The exact cause of postextubation pulmonary edema in these cases remains unclear, highlighting the need for further research.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Edema II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations: