Re-expansion pulmonary edema

Abstract

Re-expansion pulmonary edema (REPE) is an uncommon complication following re-expansion of the lung as treatment of conditions such as hemopneumothorax, large pleural effusion, and after lobectomy, pneumothorax, or even during single-lung ventilation. The majority of REPE complications are associated with treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax. The etiology of REPE remains speculative, although it is thought to be caused by increased pulmonary capillary permeability. Risk factors, including young age, a large pneumothorax, and long duration of collapse, may help predict the patients that might encounter this complication.