Abstract
A 13-year-old male presented with a huge mediastinal tumor expanding into the right thoracic cavity. He had been admitted to pediatrics for treatment of the acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Chemotherapy had been performed against the AML, but no response was detected from the mediastinal tumor. Complete tumor resection was performed. The right lung was strongly pressed by the tumor and did not have sufficient expansion, even after tumor resection. Post-operative chest X-ray film showed right pulmonary edema. A diuretic, steroid therapy and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) support were administered. Just after recovery from the right pulmonary edema, left sided pulmonary edema was detected, and temporary artificial ventilation was necessary. Re-expansion pulmonary edema is fatal without suitable therapy. We suggest that long-term pressed lung will always cause pulmonary edema, and aggressive treatment is alway necessary from an early stage.
