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Fatal recurrent reexpansion pulmonary edema.
J Fanning1, L Lettieri, M S Piver
1Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Roswell Park Memorial Institute, Buffalo, New York.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
A rare but fatal complication, reexpansion pulmonary edema, can occur after draining collapsed lungs. Gynecologists must recognize this condition for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pleural effusions are common in advanced ovarian cancer.
- Thoracentesis is a procedure to drain pleural fluid.
- Reexpansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is a rare complication of lung reexpansion.
Observation:
- A case of fatal, recurrent, unilateral RPE after thoracentesis in a patient with stage IV ovarian adenocarcinoma is presented.
- RPE can occur after treating pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or atelectasis.
- Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to rapidly fatal pulmonary edema.
Findings:
- The etiology of RPE remains unknown.
- Diagnosis is confirmed via chest x-ray.
- Treatment strategies vary from observation to mechanical ventilation based on severity.
Implications:
- RPE carries a 20% fatality rate.
- Early diagnosis and aggressive management are crucial.
- Gynecologists should be aware of RPE as a potential complication in patients undergoing thoracentesis.