Laryngospasm-induced pulmonary edema

Laryngospasm is one of the more common forms of airway obstruction encountered by an anesthetist. Therapy usually is straightforward, with resolution of the obstruction normally occurring within minutes. In some cases, however, the patient's vigorous inspiratory efforts may lead to a rapidly deteriorating form of pulmonary edema. Two cases are presented that are quite typical of the development of this complication. The etiology, recognition and management of this form of non-cardiac pulmonary edema is discussed.