Pulmonary edema during ritodrine tocolysis--a case report.

A case of maternal pulmonary edema is presented as a late complication after intravenous administration of ritodrine in combination with dexamethasone for the suppression of premature uterine contraction and for the stimulation of fetal lung maturity. Swan-Ganz catheterization showed normal pulmonary capillary wedge pressures. Two-dimensional echocardiography disclosed good ventricular performance. The patient recovered very soon in 2 days post termination of pregnancy. Relative fluid overload might probably be responsible for the development of pulmonary edema in this case.