Negative pressure pulmonary hemorrhage

Abstract

Negative pressure pulmonary edema is a well-described complication of acute upper airway obstruction. It occurs as a result of a markedly negative intrathoracic pressure generated by forced inspiration against a closed glottis, leading to extravasation of fluid into the alveolar spaces. Capillary blood-gas barrier stress failure may ensue resulting in alveolar hemorrhage. We report a case of negative pressure pulmonary hemorrhage secondary to partial strangulation. The patient's symptoms rapidly abated within 48 h with supportive therapy.