Imaging Review of Procedural and Periprocedural Complications of Central Venous Lines, Percutaneous Intrathoracic Drains, and Nasogastric Tubes
Figure 27
Reexpansion pulmonary edema (REPE) is a rare complication occurring after the insertion of a chest tube for pneumothorax or pleural effusion. REPE can appear on the ipsi- or contralateral side, can be bilateral and can even be asymptomatic. The case illustrated developed an ipsilateral REPE over a period of 6 hours following placement of a chest drain for a pneumothorax. The patient stabilized under continuous oxygen (12 L/min via a nonrebreather facemask) with his oxygen saturation steadily increasing. The patient required no further treatment. REPE is a serious complication associated with mortality of approximately 20%. Also, see Figure 27.
