Acute pulmonary edema, an unusual complication following arthroscopy: a report of three cases.

Acute pulmonary edema in the young athlete is a rare complication following arthroscopic surgery. It is not related to fluid absorption during arthroscopy, but rather to a brief period of upper airway obstruction. Pink, frothy pulmonary edema fluid appears along with other signs of hypoxia. Treatment consists of oxygenation, diuretics, and nitrates. Young athletes may be at increased risk for laryngospasm-induced pulmonary edema because they have the ability to generate large negative intrathoracic pressures. This condition must be recognized promptly to minimize morbidity and mortality.