[Postoperative management of postpneumonectomy pulmonary edema in a patient with ostium secundum atrial septal defect].

We report the case of a 55-year-old woman who underwent right pneumonectomy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma. At 48 hours after surgery she developed severe dyspnea and hypoxemia that required reintubation and a progressively higher inspired oxygen fraction. A radiograph demonstrated pulmonary edema; echocardiography revealed an ostium secundum atrial septal defect with increased flow to the lung and severe pulmonary hypertension. Emergency percutaneous closure of this defect was carried out. This case report describes the management and treatment of postpneumonectomy pulmonary edema and atrial septal defect, as well as the circumstances that favor their development. We recommend that cardiac defects be investigated and possible treatment be considered prior to pneumonectomy.