Bronchiectasis following heroin-induced pulmonary edema. Rapid clearing of pulmonary infiltrates.

We observed a patient who developed diffuse bronchiectasis subsequent to heroin-induced pulmonary edema. Unlike the previously reported cases, there was rapid clearing of pulmonary infiltrates and little evidence of severe aspiration. The development of bronchiectasis was attributed to a bronchial infection subsequent to clearing of the pulmonary edema. Physiologic dysfunction was characterized by marked obstruction, pulmonary hypertension, and mild hypoxemia.