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Bilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema associated with pleural empyema: a case report

Muhammet Sukru Paksu1, Sule Paksu, Muhammet Akgün

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey. sukrupaksu@yahoo.com

European Journal of Pediatrics
|March 12, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Rapid lung reexpansion can cause rare but serious pulmonary edema. This case highlights a fatal outcome in a child with pneumonia and pleural empyema, emphasizing the risks of reexpansion pulmonary edema.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication after lung reexpansion.
  • Risk factors include prolonged collapse, large fluid/air drainage, and rapid drainage.
  • Prognosis is generally favorable with supportive care.

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