Korean J Anesthesiol.  1982 Dec;15(4):636-639.

Acute Pulmonary Edema during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - A Case Report

• Chung DS
• Lee DY
• Park CJ

Abstract

Acute pulmonary edema associated with direct current shock is a rare complication. Pulmonary edema with an increase in heart size following direct current shock have been previously reported and confirmed. The cause of this complication is unknown. This is not due to a sudden increase in the cardiac output with the establishment of sinus rhythm. It has been most commonly noted in the presence of mitral or aortic valvular diseases or ventricular dysfunction. It is likely that acute alteration or disparities in atrial or ventricular mechanical function consequent to electrical discharge precipitate pulmonary congestion. This is a case report of acute pulmonary edema following cardioversion with direct current shock which caused ventricullar fibrillation during tonsillectomy. He was treated with oxygen, iuretics, digitalis, steroid, dopamine and PEEP (positive end expiratory pressure). The patient recovered uneventful ventilation.