Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
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Fatal Delayed-Onset Bilateral Re-Expansion Pulmonary Edema After Pleural Drainage: A Case Report.
Ayman Elsayed1, Mohamed Shafei2, John Hutchinson1
1Respiratory Medicine, Sherwood Forest NHS Trust, King's Mill Hospital, Mansfield, GBR.
Cureus
|December 1, 2025
Summary
Delayed re-expansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication after pleural fluid drainage. This case highlights the need for vigilance in elderly patients, as symptoms may appear 12-24 hours post-procedure.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Re-expansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is a known complication following pleural fluid drainage.
- Typical RPE presents within 1-2 hours post-procedure.
- Delayed and bilateral RPE is uncommon, especially in elderly patients.
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