Persistent Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema.

<zdoi;10.1097/ALN.0000000000002251> Anesthesiology, V 129 • No 4 808 October 2018 P ERSISTENT pulmonary interstitial emphysema is collection of air in the pulmonary interstitial tissue outside normal air passages. This air accumulation leads to cystic air spaces with hyperinflation of one lung and a mediastinal shift with associated contralateral lung volume loss (chest radiograph, A; computed tomography scan, B). It is a rare pathology seen in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome who have been mechanically ventilated.1 Persistent pulmonary interstitial emphysema can occur in term infants and in those who have not been mechanically ventilated. Persistent pulmonary interstitial emphysema manifests as localized or diffuse forms, the latter carrying a poor prognosis. Differential diagnosis includes cystic adenomatoid malformation, lobar emphysema, diaphragmatic hernia, or bronchogenic cyst.1 Nonsurgical management includes selective bronchial occlusion, selective ventilation, steroids and/or surfactant, and lateral decubitus positioning with the upper good lung receiving most of the ventilation as compared to the dependent pathologic lung.1,2 Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been used to ventilate patients while allowing lung healing. Indications for surgical intervention include: persistent respiratory distress, recurrent infection, pneumothorax, inability to wean from mechanical ventilation, and definitive diagnosis when there is concern for a more pathologic lesion.1 Anesthetic management consists of preoperative fluid resuscitation and evaluation of acid base status due to risk of respiratory acidosis. Induction can be achieved by sevoflurane or propofol or both followed by nondepolarizing muscle relaxation. Gentle positive pressure ventilation to avoid further inflation and gas trapping in the diseased lung is important. An arterial line may be indicated. Endobronchial intubation can be used to achieve one lung ventilation. Continued postoperative respiratory support versus extubation is individualized. Postoperative analgesia is provided with parentor nurse-controlled analgesia.3