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Published on: July 28, 2018
Reexpansion Pulmonary Edema in Pediatrics
Alexander W Hirsch1, Joshua Nagler
1Fellow (Hirsch) and Director of Medical Education (Nagler), Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital; and Clinical Fellow (Hirsch) and Assistant Professor (Nagler), Harvard Medical School Boston, Boston, MA.
Insights
Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication following pleural fluid or air drainage. Understanding risk factors and presentation is key for timely diagnosis and supportive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Reexpansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is an uncommon complication after draining large pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
- Risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms for RPE are not fully elucidated.
- RPE can present with varied clinical severity, from mild symptoms to life-threatening respiratory compromise.
Abstract:
Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication that may occur after drainage of pneumothorax or pleural effusion. A number of factors have been identified that increase the risk of developing reexpansion pulmonary edema, and pathophysiologic mechanisms have been postulated. Patients may present with radiographic findings alone or may have signs or symptoms that prompt evaluation and diagnosis. Clinical presentations range from mild cough to respiratory failure and hemodynamic compromise. Treatment strategies are supportive, and should be tailored to match the severity of the condition.
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