Bronchoscopic findings in post-obstructive pulmonary oedema

Negative Pressure Pulmonary Hemorrhage after Laryngospasm during the Postoperative Period

Negative pressure pulmonary hemorrhage (NPPH) is an uncommon complication of upper airway obstruction. Severe negative intrathoracic pressure after upper airway obstruction can increase pulmonary capillary mural pressure, which results in mechanical stress on the pulmonary capillaries, causing NPPH. We report a case of acute NPPH caused by laryngospasm in a 25-year-old man during the postoperative period. Causative factors of NPPH include negative pulmonary pressure, allergic rhinitis, smoking, inhaled anesthetics, and positive airway pressure due to coughing. The patient’s symptoms resolved rapidly, within 24 hours, with supportive care.

Acute Postobstructive Pulmonary Edema Following Laryngospasm in Elderly Patients: A Case Report

Only a few cases regarding postobstructive pulmonary edema following laryngospasm in older patients aged more than 60 years have been reported; however, acute pulmonary edema or pulmonary hemorrhage would be more deadly to elderly patients who have cerebrovascular disease than young healthy adults. After review of the literature, we report an unusual case of a 67-year-old man with ischemic cerebrovascular disease, who underwent carotid angioplasty and stenting and experienced severe pulmonary edema and hemorrhage secondary to laryngospasm after general anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway. The patient required positive-pressure ventilation, supportive treatment, and active cerebroprotection in the intensive care setting for 3 days before the edema resolved, and subsequently made a complete recovery without new onset of neurologic sequelae. The possible pathophysiological mechanisms, precaution, and preventative strategy of postobstructive pulmonary edema in older patients are discussed.

Suffocation From Balloon Bronchoplasty

Negative pressure pulmonary edema is a well-described complication of upper airway obstruction. However, the simultaneous occurrence of blood-stained secretions and petechial tracheobronchial hemorrhage are rarely recognized and a potential complication of transient intentional occlusion of the airways. We described a case of "hemorrhagic bronchial mucosa syndrome" and asymptomatic blood-tinged pulmonary edema after balloon bronchoplasty for a concentric tracheal stenosis using a flexible bronchoscopy. This was characterized by interval appearance of diffuse petechial tracheobronchial bleeding and a persistent blood-tinged alveolar effluent after sustained occlusion of the airway. The simultaneous occurrence of both phenomena in this patient suggests different degrees of injury in a common pathogenic spectrum. We postulate that sustained, complete occlusion of the airway produces variable degrees of mechanical disruption of the bronchial and alveolar vasculature that lead to the development of negative pressure pulmonary edema and tracheobronchial hemorrhage. In this case, the syndrome was self-limited and without major consequences but highlights an unrecognized potential complication of balloon bronchoplasty.

A case in which a capnometer was useful for diagnosing laryngospasm following administration of sugammadex

Background

Sugammadex has been reported to cause upper-airway obstruction, such as laryngospasm or bronchospasm. These two conditions are treated using different approaches, but the differential diagnosis is difficult.

Case presentation

We describe a case in which general anesthesia was administered via endotracheal intubation, in combination with brachial-plexus block, for arthroscopic surgical treatment of a rotator-cuff tear caused by recurrent shoulder dislocation. The total dose of rocuronium administered was 90 mg, and the last dose of 10 mg was given 15 min before the end of the surgery. Sugammadex was intravenously administered at 100 mg to reverse the effect of rocuronium after the operation ended. After extubation in this case, we placed a mask firmly around the patient's mouth, and thus, there was no air leakage around the mask. We detected upper-airway obstruction that was presumably attributable to administration of sugammadex. The end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) concentration was undetectable on a capnometer. Although 100% oxygen was administered at 10 L/min via a facemask, oxygen saturation (SpO₂) decreased to approximately 70%. With suspected onset of laryngospasm, continuous positive airway pressure with 100% oxygen at 10 L/min was started at 30 cm H₂O. The patient's airway obstruction resolved after a short time.

Conclusion

The use of a capnometer facilitated the diagnosis of laryngospasm and allowed us to administer appropriate treatment after administration of sugammadex.

Clinical Features of Patients with Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage due to Negative-Pressure Pulmonary Edema

PURPOSE

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) with negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is an uncommon yet life-threatening condition. We aimed at describing the circumstances, clinical, radiological, and bronchoscopic features, as well as the outcome of patients with NPPE-related DAH.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study, using data prospectively collected over 35 years in an intensive care unit (ICU).

RESULTS

Of the 149 patients admitted for DAH, we identified 18 NPPE episodes in 15 patients, one admitted four times for recurrent NPPE-related DAH. The patients were primarily young, male, and athletic. The NPPE setting was postoperative (n = 12/18, 67%) or following generalized tonic-clonic seizures (n = 6/18, 33%). Hemoptysis was almost constant (n = 17/18, 94%), yet rarely massive (>200 cc, n = 1/18, 6%), with anemia observed in 10 (56%) episodes. The DAH triad (hemoptysis, anemia, and pulmonary infiltrates) was observed in 50% of episodes (n = 9/18), and acute respiratory failure in 94% (n = 17/18). Chest computed tomography revealed diffuse bilateral ground glass opacities (n = 10/10, 100%), while bronchoscopy detected bilateral hemorrhage (n = 12/12, 100%) and macroscopically bloody bronchoalveolar lavage, with siderophage absence in most (n = 7/8, 88%), indicating acute DAH. While one episode proved fatal, the other 17 recovered rapidly, with a mean ICU stay lasting 4.6 (2-15) days. Typically, the evolution was rapidly favorable under supportive care.

CONCLUSION

NPPE-related DAH is a rare life-threatening condition occurring primarily after tonic-clonic generalized seizure or generalized anesthesia. Clinical circumstances are a key to its diagnosis. Early diagnosis and recognition likely allow for successful management of this potentially serious complication, whereas ictal-DAH appears ominous in epileptic patients.

Recurrent negative pressure pulmonary edema

An African-American man, aged 34 years, underwent an elective uncomplicated right wrist laceration repair while under general anesthesia. Following extubation, the patient developed hypoxemia, tachypnea, shortness of breath, pulmonary rales, frothy sputum, decreased oxygen saturation, and evidence of upper airway obstruction. Chest radiograph showed pulmonary edema. The patient was diagnosed with post-extubation pulmonary edema (aka. negative pressure pulmonary edema [NPPE]) and was treated with intravenous furosemide and oxygen therapy; he improved remarkably within a few hours. Once stabilized, the patient described a similar episode 10 years earlier following surgery for multiple gunshot wounds. Negative pressure pulmonary edema following tracheal extubation is an uncommon (0.1%) and life-threatening complication of patients undergoing endotracheal intubation and general anesthesia for surgical procedures. The common pattern in these cases is the occurrence of an episode of airway obstruction upon emergence from general anesthesia, usually caused by laryngospasm. Patients who are predisposed to airway obstruction may have an increased risk of airway complications upon extubation after general anesthesia. Prevention and early relief of upper airway obstruction should decrease incidence. Recurrent NPPE has not been previously described in the literature. Herein, we describe the first case of recurrent NPPE in the same patient following extubation.

Negative-pressure acute tracheobronchial hemorrhage and pulmonary edema

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema is a well-known complication of an acute upper airway obstruction, which may rarely present as acute alveolar hemorrhage in cases of severe capillary stress failure. Hemorrhage from the central airways has also been reported as a rare manifestation of acute tracheobronchial injury, associated with severe disruption of the bronchial vasculature due to highly negative inspiratory pressure. In this clinical report, we describe a case of both acute tracheobronchial and alveolar hemorrhage in a young man, occurring immediately after extubation due to laryngospasm, diagnosed by bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), measurement of the pulmonary edema fluid/plasma protein ratio, and by thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan. We propose that the patient experienced severe postobstructive negative-pressure pulmonary edema, related to increased permeability of the alveolar capillary membrane and a parallel loss of integrity of the bronchial vascular network. Our findings suggest that both changes in the bronchial circulation and mechanical stress failure of the more distal alveolar-capillary system may be induced by severe and acute upper-airway obstruction.

Pulmonary edema after electroconvulsive therapy

A 42-year-old right-handed man with major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hypertension received 7 treatments of right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy, with the only complications being elevated blood pressure up to 180/120 mm Hg and agitation upon awakening. During eighth treatment, he experienced blood pressures as high as 210/130 mm Hg with severe agitation upon awakening from anesthesia followed by pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema is rarely seen as a complication in electroconvulsive therapy, but if the airway becomes obstructed or there is excessive sympathetic discharge during the procedure, pulmonary edema may be more likely to occur.

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema after resection of mediastinum thyroid goiter

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is an uncommon but life-threatening complication of acute or chronic upper airway obstruction; however, there are few reports of NPPE after giant goiter resection. We report a case with severe NPPE induced by the resection of a mediastinum thyroid goiter. The patient was successfully treated by non-invasive positive airway ventilation (NPPV).

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema after routine septorhinoplasty: discussion of pathophysiology, treatment, and prevention

OBJECTIVE

To provide rhinologic surgeons with an understanding of acute negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) and its treatment.

DESIGN

Case report and literature review of all published adult cases of NPPE. Patient factors, anesthetic variables, and outcomes are assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 146 cases in 45 case reports and series were compiled. There was approximately a 2:1 male-female patient ratio. The average age of the patients was 33 years. Fifty percent of patients had surgery on the upper aerodigestive tract, and 8% had intranasal surgery. No patients received laryngotracheal anesthesia, and 5 of the 146 received intravenous lidocaine prior to extubation. One patient had NPPE following laryngeal mask airway treatment, and 2 patients experienced this complication after conversion from monitored anesthesia care to general endotracheal anesthesia; 33.5% of patients were treated with continuous positive airway pressure alone, while 66.5% required intubation and mechanical ventilation. The average time to resolution was 11.75 hours. Three patients died.

CONCLUSIONS

It is known that surgical procedures involving the upper aerodigestive tract have a higher risk of NPPE than other procedures. Rapid diagnosis and treatment is necessary to achieve early resolution and avoid significant patient morbidity. A thorough understanding is integral to the practice of nasal and paranasal sinus surgery, especially with the rising use of outpatient and office-based surgical suites. Therefore, we present a review of pathophysiologic mechanisms, possible risk factors, treatment options, and potential steps that can be taken to minimize this potentially devastating complication of general anesthesia.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. This results in the disruption of normal ventilation and sleep patterns. The symptoms, polysomnographic findings, pathophysiology, and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome are significantly different in children from those seen in adults.

Anesthesia for airway surgery

Surgery of the upper airway requires diagnostic or therapeutic manipulation of the respiratory tree despite ongoing ventilation. Whether internal or external access to the conducting airway is required, anesthesiologist and surgeon, who must work together closely, share the airway. The anesthetic technique is influenced by the chosen mode of ventilation.

Pulmonary hemorrhage in association with negative pressure edema in an intubated patient

Negative pressure pulmonary edema due to upper airway obstruction following extubation is a well-recognized problem. However, frank pulmonary hemorrhage as a manifestation of upper airway obstruction is uncommon. We report a case of significant pulmonary hemorrhage and negative pressure pulmonary edema in an intubated patient. Bronchoscopy showed a collection of blood in the right lower lobe of the lungs, suggesting a localized source of bleeding. There have been two previously reported cases of pulmonary hemorrhage after upper airway obstruction. One suggested that the bleeding was due to damage to the pulmonary capillaries, the other that it was due to disruption of the bronchial vessels. We feel that in our case there was some indication that the pulmonary bleeding was a result of bronchial vessel damage. A number of factors might have been involved in its development, including negative pulmonary pressure, recent respiratory tract infection, and positive airways pressure (due to coughing).

Postobstructive pulmonary oedema--a case series and review

Six cases of post-extubation pulmonary oedema in otherwise healthy patients are reported. All were preceded by an episode of laryngospasm and followed a clinical course similar to that previously documented in cases of post-obstructive pulmonary oedema. Frank haemoptysis was a feature of five of the presentations. One patient was reintubated and ventilated, two were admitted to the intensive care unit for mask CPAP, one was managed with CPAP in the recovery ward and two with supplemental oxygen only. All cases resolved fully within 24 hours. Some evidence points to the syndrome being the result of airway bleeding rather than true pulmonary oedema. The literature suggests that it occurs more commonly than is generally thought, with a frequency of 0.05 to 0.1% of all anaesthetics, and is often unrecognised or misdiagnosed. Most cases occur in the early postoperative period, so anaesthetists are well placed to witness, investigate and manage this interesting condition.

Negative pressure pulmonary hemorrhage

Negative pressure pulmonary edema, a well-recognized phenomenon, is the formation of pulmonary edema following an acute upper airway obstruction (UAO). To our knowledge, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage has not been reported previously as a complication of an UAO. We describe a case of negative pressure pulmonary hemorrhage, and we propose that its etiology is stress failure, the mechanical disruption of the alveolar-capillary membrane.

Negative pressure induced airway and pulmonary injury

PURPOSE

To describe negative pressure injury occurring during the use of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in which airway bleeding rather than pulmonary oedema was the major complication.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A patient presented to the day surgery unit for resection of a ganglion cyst on her right wrist. She underwent general anaesthesia using an LMA, and experienced severe laryngospasm and transient hypoxaemia (oxygen saturation to 66%) seven minutes after incision. This resolved within 90 sec of succinylcholine administration. Nonetheless, the LMA was removed, a tracheal tube was inserted atraumatically and positive pressure ventilation was maintained until the time of emergence, when fresh blood appeared in the tracheal tube. The blood ultimately became frothy, resembling pulmonary oedema fluid. Haemoptysis, continued postoperatively and led to the hospitalization of this ambulatory patient.

CONCLUSION

Rapid development of large subatmospheric pressures, as can occur during severe laryngospasm, may disrupt the tracheobronchial vasculature causing airway bleeding. This bleeding should be distinguished from negative pressure pulmonary oedema.