Reexpansion pulmonary edema after chest drainage for pneumothorax: A case report and literature overview

摘要

BackgroundReexpansion pulmonary edema (RPE) is a rare complication that may occur after treatment of lung collapse caused by pneumothorax, atelectasis or pleural effusion and can be fatal in 20% of cases. The pathogenesis of RPE is probably related to histological changes of the lung parenchyma and reperfusion-damage by free radicals leading to an increased vascular permeability. RPE is often self-limiting and treatment is supportive.