Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as rescue therapy for methadone-induced pulmonary edema

Abstract

Opioid-induced pulmonary edema has been previously reported, but its mechanism remains unclear. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as rescue therapy for methadone-induced pulmonary edema has not been reported in the literature. We describe 2 cases of methadone ingestion complicated by pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and circulatory failure successfully managed with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.