Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025
03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
882
Reexpansion Pulmonary Edema Following Palliative Thoracentesis in a Home Care Setting
Till Arnold1, Claudia Bausewein1, Berend Feddersen1
1Department of Palliative Medicine, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany.
Journal of Palliative Medicine
|July 14, 2025
Summary
Reexpansion pulmonary edema (REPE) is a rare complication of thoracentesis in palliative home care. Prompt recognition and management are crucial for patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Medical Complications
Background:
- Specialist palliative home care in Germany includes procedures like thoracentesis.
- Reexpansion pulmonary edema (REPE) is a rare but serious complication of thoracentesis.
- Prompt recognition and management of REPE are essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the occurrence of REPE in a palliative home care patient.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing REPE in this setting.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an 86-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer.
- Thoracentesis performed for progressive dyspnea due to pleural effusion.
- Diagnosis of REPE confirmed by ultrasound and clinical presentation.
Main Results:
- Patient developed acute respiratory distress post-thoracentesis.
- Ultrasound confirmed B-lines indicative of REPE.
- Symptoms resolved within 24 hours with oxygen, opioids, and furosemide.
Conclusions:
- REPE is a significant complication in palliative home care thoracentesis.
- Healthcare professionals must be aware of REPE's risk factors and warning signs.
- Awareness facilitates preventive strategies, diagnosis, and informed treatment decisions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
519
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
519
01:27Pneumothorax-II
380
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
380
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
274
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
274
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
1.9K
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
1.9K
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
42
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
42
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
275
Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...
275