title: An uncommon life-threatening complication after chest tube drainage of pneumothorax in the ED.
abstract: Re-expansion pulmonary oedema (REPO) after chest tube drainage of pneumothorax is uncommon. We contrast one patient with life threatening against another mildly symptomatic REPO occurring in our emergency department (ED). The mechanism and management of REPO differs distinctly from that of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. We discuss the predictors of REPO, review clinical details of reported fatalities and suggest preventive measures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Main Building 1, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074. SimTB@nuh.com.sg
authors.forename: Sim Tiong
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Beng
authors.forename: Malcom
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mahadevan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015505:Chest Tubes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000628:therapy*; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000628:therapy; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D011859:Radiography