[Negative pressure pulmonary oedema and haemorrhage].

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary haemorrhage due to negative airway pressure is a very rare but potentially fatal complication of general anaesthesia. Only a few such cases have been reported in the literature.

CASE REPORT: A previously healthy, 25-year-old man underwent general anaesthesia for internal stabilisation of a fractured clavicle. Shortly after extubation, he developed laryngospasm followed by pulmonary bleeding and acute respiratory failure. A CT-scan revealed acute pulmonary oedema. The patient was treated with mechanical ventilation and recovered completely after 72 hours.

CONCLUSION

This rare complication may occur unexpectedly during routine anaesthesia. The rapid recognition and management of laryngospasm is essential.