Post-obstructive pulmonary oedema - a case series and review of the literature

ABSTRACT

Three case of post-extubation pulmonary oedema in healthy patients are reported. All were preceded by an episode of laryngospasm. Frank haemoptysis was a feature of two of the presentations. All were admitted to the intensive care unit [ICU]. One patient was reintubated and positive pressure ventilation was applied, one was treated with nasal prong oxygen supplement only and one was managed with continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]. All cases resolved fully within 24 hours. In literature, the frequency of post-obstructive pulmonary oedema has been reported to be 0.05 to 0.1% of all anaesthetised patients, and is often unrecognisd or misdiagnosed. Most cases occur in the early postoperative period, so anaesthetists are well placed to witness, investigate and manage this interesting condition