Bilateral re-expansion pulmonary oedema-when the cure is worse than the disease

Abstract EN

Background : Re-expansion pulmonary oedema is a potentially fatal consequence of rapid reexpansion of a lung, which has been collapsed due to a pleural effusion or a pneumothorax.

Case Report: We report a very unusual case in which the patient initially developed ipsilateral followed by contralateral pulmonary oedema following rapid drainage of a massive pleural effusion.

The patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly and on the third day following admission, her condition proved fatal.

In addition a literature review is presented.

Conclusion: It is essential that doctors appreciate the importance of gradual re-expansion of a lung, which has been collapsed for a few days or longer and take appropriate precautions in order to minimize the likelihood of developing re-expansion pulmonary oedema.