Re-expansion Pulmonary Edema (REPE) Following Thoracentesis: Is Large-Volume Thoracentesis Associated with Increased Incidence of REPE?

Purpose: To determine the safety and efficacy associated with drainage volumes greater than 1,500 mL in a single, unilateral thoracentesis without pleural manometry measurements.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective, single-institution study included 872 patients (18 years and older) who underwent ultrasound-guided thoracentesis. Patient and procedures data were collected including demographics, number of and laterality of thoracenteses, volume and consistency of fluid removed, and whether clinical or radiologic evidence of re-expansion pulmonary edema (REPE) developed within 24 h of thoracentesis.