A case of negative pressure pulmonary edema in an asthmatic patient after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Negative pressure pulmonary edema is often misdiagnosed or can go clinically unrecognized by anesthesiologists. It is characterized by a markedly low intrapleural pressure which leads to exudation of fluid and red blood cells in the interstitium. Recognition of patients with predisposing factors for upper airway obstruction is important in the diagnosis which is often confused with pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents. Signs and symptoms are subtle and edema is usually self-limited. Our patient was management conservatively with maintenance of a patent airway and administration of supplemental oxygen and had a successful outcome.