Systematic Review of Negative Pressure Pulmonary Edema in Otolaryngology Procedures

Negative pressure pulmonary edema following laryngospasm after dental abscess: A case report

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE), also known as post-obstructive pulmonary edema, is a rare and life-threatening condition. It occurs when a person breathes against an obstructed glottis, causing negative thoracic pressure in the lungs. This negative pressure can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, resulting in pulmonary edema. The obstructed glottis might be caused by laryngospasm, which occurs when the muscles around the larynx involuntarily spasm and can lead to complete upper airway occlusion. This report shares the case of a 33-year-old woman hospitalized for periapical dental abscess, facial swelling, and shortness of breath. The patient exhibited signs of poor oral hygiene. After the exacerbation of her symptoms, she showed signs of asphyxia and decreased oxygen saturation, which led to her intubation. Imaging revealed bilateral pleural effusion and patchy ground glass opacities favoring NPPE. After three days of treatment with diuretics and other conservative measures, her condition was alleviated, and she was extubated. Laryngospasm in the presence of a dental abscess is uncommon. Identification of imaging favoring NPPE in this setting is even more rare. In cases of laryngospasm, prompt intubation is crucial. Therapy with diuretics and other conservative measures can effectively treat NPPE following laryngospasm.

Negative pressure plmonary oedema after adenotonsillectom: a case report and litrature review

Background

Negative pressure pulmonary is a non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema that can occur after reliving of upper airway obstruction. It is life threatening clinical scenario developed due to increase intrathoracic pressure during marked inspiratory effort against a closed glottis.

Case presentation

A successful adenotonsillectomy was done for a healthy 12-year-old, 33 kg male patient and transferred to post-anaesthesia care unit. In the unit the patient developed signs and symptoms of negative pressure pulmonary oedema so he was treated with diuretics and oxygen while restricting fluid. However, the dyspnoea was persisted so he was transferred to ICU.

Clinical discussion

This case report shows the development of negative pressure pulmonary oedema after adenotonsillectomy. In this report the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and prognosis of negative pressure pulmonary oedema after adenotonsillectomy was discussed in detail with citing updated evidences.

Conclusions

Post-extubation pulmonary oedema can occur after reliving of chronic air obstruction. Usually it occur within 5 min after reliving the obstruction but it can occur at any time. All healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable about clinical presentation and managements of negative pressure pulmonary oedema.

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (Review)

Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is a complication resulting from acute or chronic upper airway obstruction, often posing challenges in recognition and diagnosis for clinicians. If left untreated, NPPE can lead to hypoxemia, heart failure and even shock. Furthermore, the drug treatment of NPPE remains a subject of controversy. The primary pathophysiological mechanism of NPPE involves the need for high inspiratory pressure to counteract upper airway obstruction, subsequently causing a progressive rise in negative pressure within the pleural cavity. Consequently, this results in increased pulmonary microvascular pressure, leading to the infiltration of pulmonary capillary fluid into the alveoli. NPPE exhibits numerous risk factors and causes, with laryngospasm following anesthesia and extubation being the most prevalent. The diagnosis of NPPE often presents challenges due to confusion with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux or cardiogenic pulmonary edema, given the similarity in initial factors triggering both diseases. Upper airway patency, positive pressure non-invasive ventilation, supplemental oxygen and re-intubation mechanical ventilation are the foundation of the treatment of NPPE. The present review aims to discuss the etiology, clinical presentation, pathophysiology and management of NPPE.