Bilateral reexpansion pulmonary edema associated with pleural empyema: a case report

Paksu M. S., Paksu S., Akgun M., KALAYCI A. G., Baysal K.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS, vol.170, no.9, pp.1205-1207, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 170 Issue: 9
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00431-011-1441-6
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1205-1207
  • Keywords: Reexpansion pulmonary edema, Pleural empyema, Child, LUNGS
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Reexpansion pulmonary edema is an uncommon complication following rapid reexpansion of the lungs. The risk increases with a prolonged duration of pulmonary collapse, the amount of drained liquid or air, and with decreased time of draining. Treatment is supportive. In general, the prognosis is favorable. A nine-year-old boy was presented with fever, cough, and respiratory distress. Pneumonia and left-sided pleural empyema were determined and a chest tube was emplaced. Clinical deterioration occurred in just a few minutes following chest tube insertion. His chest radiography revealed a pulmonary edema in the left lung. Despite mechanical ventilation, antibiotics, and diuretic treatment, no significant improvement occurred. Acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ dysfunctions developed in the follow-up. The patient died on day 5 of hospitalization. In this report, a complicated reexpansion pulmonary edema with a lathal outcome in a 9-year-old child is presented.