Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage following sugammadex and remifentanil administration: A case report

A Complex Presentation of Acute Postoperative Negative-Pressure Pulmonary Edema: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is an uncommon diagnosis that requires a high clinical suspicion to recognize and manage and has high morbidity and mortality. It usually results secondary to markedly negative intrapleural pressure due to the forceful inspiration against the obstructed airway from upper airway infection, tumor, or laryngospasm. We present a case of a 27-year-old female with morbid obesity who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and developed NPPE upon emergence from anesthesia. The focus of supportive care should be on addressing the obstruction in the upper airway through either endotracheal intubation or cricothyroidotomy. Additionally, it is important to initiate lung-protective positive-pressure ventilation and promote diuresis, unless the patient is in a state of shock. The resolution of pulmonary edema is typically swift, partially due to the preservation of alveolar fluid clearance mechanisms. In the literature review, we delve into the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and management of NPPE or post-obstructive pulmonary edema.

An Internist's Approach to a Case of Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema: A Rare Cause of Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a rare cause of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, which usually presents postoperatively. Its pathophysiology is mostly described as a profound negative intrathoracic pressure caused by an airway obstruction such as laryngospasm, which may occur during extubation. But, there are other hypotheses about it, such as catecholamines release causing an elevated hydrostatic pressure in the cardiopulmonary circuit and, consequently, a major capillary leak to the interstitium. Its natural course varies, from prompt recovery to intensive care unit escalation and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Although anesthesiologists often detect this condition, this case's objective is to bring awareness of this condition to internists as a potential differential diagnosis for hypoxia in the postoperative setting.

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, a rare presentation of polymyositis

Background

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is a medical emergency caused by persistent and recurrent pulmonary hemorrhage [1]. It is an uncommon presentation of polymyositis. Symptoms of polymyositis include fatigue, muscle pains, proximal muscle weakness, and joint pains [2].

Case presentation

A 44-year-old male presented with new onset shortness of breath and productive cough with white sputum and occasional hemoptysis. The patient was diagnosed with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) via bronchoscopy and discharged initially on prednisone. The patient's laboratory work indicated positive titers of ANA & anti-Jo-1 antibody with low complement levels. These results pointed towards the diagnosis of polymyositis [3]. DAH can also be caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, Goodpasture's syndrome, Sjogren syndrome, anticoagulant therapy, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome [4]. However, the possibility of these potential causes was excluded.

Conclusion

This case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage was most likely due to polymyositis.

Cannabis-Related Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in a 16-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a clinical condition characterized by the rapid onset of dyspnea, hemoptysis and acute respiratory failure (ARF). It is commonly caused by autoimmune systemic vasculitis, pulmonary infections, drugs and tumors. Here, we report a case of DAH caused by frequent cannabis smoking. A 16-year old boy presented with hemoptysis, dyspnea and ARF soon after laparoscopic surgery for varicocele in general anesthesia. The suspected diagnosis of DAH emerged from the initial chest radiography, and it was then confirmed by CT scan findings and the bronchoalveolar lavage. His general conditions completely recovered after only 24 h of oxygen supplementation and after intravenous corticosteroid and antibiotic therapy. This is the first pediatric case of DAH related to smoking marijuana, even though the inhalational anesthetic agent sevoflurane might have also been involved in this pathogenesis. Other possible causes of DAH have been considered. Negative-pressure pulmonary edema could be ruled out because no clinical evidence of upper airway obstruction was observed during general anesthesia and throughout the surgery. In addition, a possible causative role of cannabis additives/contaminants could not be excluded. Given the high prevalence of cannabis smoking in young people and that DAH can be a complication in cannabis smokers, a careful history and high index of suspicion are recommended as part of the pre-operative assessment before these patients are proceeded to receive general anesthesia.