Abstract

 

Reexpansion pulmonary edema is an iatrogenic complication which may develope after expansion of a collapsed lung due to pnemothorax, pleural effusion or bronchial obstruction. Mechanical ventilation may be reqired in the treatment. Pulmonary edema, respiratory insufficiency and shock occurred in a 32-year-old man with a total pneumothorax for five days, after tube thoracostomy. He is mechanically ventilated in intensive care unit for two days, and discharged on fifth day with a full clinical and radiological recovery.

Key Words: Reexpansion Pulmonary Edema; Pneumothorax; Mechanical Ventilation.