Q: During thoracentesis, which of the following sign is more predictive of Re-expansion Pulmonary Edema (REPE)  - (Select one)?

A) Chest pain
B) Cough


Answer: A

Usually patients tolerate large volume thoracentesis without REPE. But development of anterior chest pain could be an indicator of REPE. Cough is a very frequent sign during thoracentesis or resolution of pneumothorax but is not as highly associated with REPE as anterior chest pain. In any case, it is recommended to keep volume of thoracentesis less than 1.5 Liters.


Reference: 

Doelken P, Huggins JT, Pastis NJ, Sahn SA. Pleural manometry: technique and clinical implications. Chest 2004; 126:1764.