[Initial reduction of the lung volume and capillary escape syndrome in gram negative peritonitis]

Report on a female patient aged 29 with gramnegative bacterial peritonitis due to perforation of a postpyloric ulcer. A reduction of lung volume was observed, followed after 24 h by non cardiogenic interstitial and alveolar edema resulting in severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia with metabolic acidosis for 4 days. Return of gas exchange to physiological values was established prior to the restoration of normal lung volume. The pathophysiological mechanism of these phenomena is discussed.