Pneumomediastinum and acute pulmonary edema after surgical treatment of gynecomastia

Introduction:  Secondary pulmonary edema causing airway obstruction is an uncommon condition. Although the physiopathology of edema is still unclear, the predominant mechanism is likely forced inspiration against a closed glottis, generating a negative intrapulmonary and transpleural gradient, which favors fluid transudation from the pulmonary capillaries into the interstitium.

Case Report:  We report a case of barotrauma and acute pulmonary edema in a young patient after undergoing surgical treatment for gynecomastia under general anesthesia.

Keywords:
Acute pulmonary edema; Gynecomastia; Laryngospasm; Postoperative complications