Hemopneumothorax in a COPD patient treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation: the risk of attendant anticoagulation.

Abstract

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) modalities have been proven to be effective in the setting of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Reported complications include pneumothorax, increased work of breathing, gastric distension and air embolism. This case demonstrates that patients with severe COPD on anticoagulant therapy are potentially at risk for the serious complication of combined lung barotrauma and hemorrhage while on acute NIPPV therapy. This is the first reported case of hemopneumothorax complicating NIPPV therapy.

• Authors: R Raghavan, A K Ellis, W Wobeser, K B Sutherland, D E O'Donnell
• Journal: Canadian respiratory journal (Can Respir J) Vol. 11 Issue 2 Pg. 159-62 (Mar 2004) ISSN: 1198-2241 [Print] Egypt
• PMID: 15045048 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anticoagulants

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anticoagulants (adverse effects)
• Hemopneumothorax (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Hemorrhage (chemically induced, etiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Pneumothorax (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Positive-Pressure Respiration (adverse effects)
• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (complications, diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Radiography