Clinical findings:
(1) history of pneumonectomy
(2) postoperative deterioration in respiratory function
(3) evidence of pulmonary edema
(4) exclusion of heart failure, myocardial infarction, infection or other cause
Risk factors:
(1) large perioperative fluid load with high urine outputs
(2) right-sided pneumonectomy
(3) transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (FFP)
(4) preoperative radiation therapy
(5) atrial septal defect
(6) possibly pulmonary hypertension
Interventions to reduce risk:
(1) intraoperative solumedrol administered prior to pulmonary artery ligation
(2) inhalation of nitric oxide (acts as vasodilator)
