Shock lung with massive tracheal loss of plasma

L. B. Pemberton

Fulminant pulmonary edema developed in two young, healthy adults within one hour after blood loss, hypolemic shock, and an anaphylactoid reaction to intravenous pyelogram dye. Pulmonary edema developed and they subsequently passed large amounts of edema fluid through the endotracheal tube. Massive loss of plasma-like fluid from the lung required frequent evacuation of the endotracheal tube and intravenous replacement with large amounts of albumin-containing fluids. Both patients were treated with a volume respirator, positive end-expiratory pressure, 100% oxygen, corticosteroids, and tracheostomy. Both patients recovered from massive pulmonary edema with very severe hypoxemia and, three months afterwards, had normal pulmonary function, blood gas levels, and no evidence of pulmonary injury.