Intraoperative pulmonary re-expansion edema complicating pulmonary decortication for tuberculous pleural effusion

Abstract

Pulmonary re-expansion edema (PRE) was first described by Carlston in 1958. To the knowledge, only one case has been described following pleuropulmonary decortication. The authors present the case of a 19-year-old patient who underwent pleuropulmonary decortication and who presented an PRE intraoperatively. Early diagnosis and the rapidity of treatment allowed a favourable evolution. Therefore, the prognosis of intraoperative PRE depends on the rapidity and efficiency of medical management.

Keywords

• dyspnea
• pleural effusion
• pleural tuberculosis
• pulmonary edema
• thoracotomy