RE-EXPANSION PULMONARY EDEMA FOLLOWING TUBE THORACOSTOMY IN PNEUMOTHORAX: A RARE COMPLICATION

Abstract

ackground: Re-expansion pulmonary edema (REPE) is a rare complication of tube thoracostomy. REPE can be fatal in 20% of cases. Risk factors that can cause REPE in pneumothorax are prolonged lung collapse, large-sized pneumothorax, and young age. Case description: A 21-year-old young man came to the emergency room with a complaint of dyspnea. The chest x-ray showed a large-sized right pneumothorax. A chest tube was inserted to treat pneumothorax, and the dyspnea was improved. However, the patient started coughing continuously, and his peripheral saturation was decreased 30 minutes later. The chest computed tomography showed unilateral right ground-glass opacities that indicated re-expansion pulmonary edema. The patient got supportive therapies, including oxygen and symptomatic therapy. He was discharged after seven days of hospitalization in a good clinical condition. Conclusion: REPE is characterized by rapid deterioration after a pleural procedure. REPE usually selflimited, and the therapy is supportive according to its severity. Early recognition of its signs and symptoms is essential to prevent the worsening of the patient's condition.