LAUSR

There are several causes of pulmonary oedema (PE) in the perioperative period and Intensive Care Unit. A combination of cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic mechanisms usually contributes to the pathogenesis of PE, including negative pressure PE, anaphylaxis, acute lung injury, fluid maldistribution and neurogenic and cardiogenic PE (1). All anaesthesiologists are familiar with the management of PE. The mainstay of treatment remains IPPV with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), diuretics, morphine and treatment of the inciting cause. Mild cases respond well once treatment is initiated along these lines. However, occasionally severe cases, which involve frothing of copious secretions from the endotracheal (ET) tube, are difficult to manage.