Re-Expansion Pulmonary Edema in Children-A Rare Complication After Pneumothorax Drainage: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Re-expansion Pulmonary Edema (RPE) is a non-cardiogenic form of pulmonary edema which occurs following rapid lung expansion after drainage of significant pneumothorax or pleural effusion, and rarely following resection of obstructive mediastinal mass. RPE is a rare but potentially fatal phenomenon with only few case reports in the pediatric literature. Methods: We are reporting a case of RPE in a 5-year-old girl following drainage of pneumothorax who succumbed to worsening hypoxemia despite therapy with mechanical ventilation and other supportive care. Conclusion: RPE should be anticipated, and early preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be instituted in high-risk patients who require significant pleural fluid or air drainage.