Re-expansion pulmonary oedema-fatal complication of mediastinal tumour removal

Abstract

We report a case of re-expansion pulmonary oedema (RPE) occurring after a mediastinal tumour removal procedure. RPE is a rare complication associated with the treatment of a collapsed lung caused by pneumothorax, pleural effusion or tumour. The risk factors are a longer period (more than three days) of collapsed lungs, the volume of intrathoracic lesion, loss of surfactant and the patient's age. Treatment of RPE is difficult due to there being no clear pathophysiology, and is associated with high mortality. Careful management and clinical guidelines are needed to render the therapy more effective. © 2013 The Czech Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.