[Unilateral pulmonary oedema after lung re-expansion in pneumothorax].

Unilateral pulmonary Oedema after re-expansion during intercostal drainage of pneumothorax is a serious complication. The article deals with a 72-year-old woman who was admitted to Intensive Ward in haemorrhagic shock for haematemesis and melena. The first examinations established pronounced hypovolaemia, secondary anaemia, extra-renal azotaemia, hypoproteinaemia and respiratory insufficiency. During puncture of the right subclavical vein for insertion of a catheter iatrogen pneumothorax was performed. After thoracic drainage with negative pressure the patients' condition aggravated. Radiographical examination of the lungs revealed a total re-expansion of the right lung with changes characteristic of unilateral pulmonary oedema. Thanks to an appropriate treatment the patient recovered. Unilateral pulmonary oedema was provoked by rapid re-expansion of the right lung due to increase of negative pressure in the pulmonary interstitum and increase of permeability of the capillary and alveolar barriers. The attentive follow-up of clinical signs, auscultation of the lungs, monitoring of vital parameters of the patient, gas analyses, RTG control examinations are of great importance in the detection of pulmonary oedema. Thus, an appropriate treatment can prevent undesirable consequences.