PULMONARY ASPIRATION OF GASTRIC ACID--MENDELSON'S SYNDROME.

Three cases of pulmonary aspiration of gastric acid as a complication of obstetrical anesthesia are described. The clinical picture consists of dyspnea, cyanosis, tachycardia and shock appearing several hours after the aspiration has occurred. On examination, the chest may be quite clear, but the chest radiograph shows a picture indistinguishable from that of pulmonary edema. The most important therapeutic measure is the intravenous administration of corticosteroids in large doses for several days. Bronchoscopy is contraindicated. With routine use of epidural anesthesia, this obstetrical complication can be avoided.