[Reexpansion pulmonary edema a vacuo: a case report and literature review]

Abstract

Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare and potentially lethal complication with a 15 to 20% mortality. We report one case of pulmonary edema after evacuation of spontaneous right pneumothorax The pathophysiology of reexpansion pulmonary edema remains obscure; mechanical and inflammatory processes (production of Inerleukin 8--and Leukotrienne B4) seem incriminated. Duration and seventy of lung collapse and the rate of reexpansion appear to be the main causes justifying preventive measures. Curative treatment is based on oxygenation and lower aspiration pressure.