Acute pulmonary edema associated with transfusion of packed red blood cells.

We experienced a patient who suffered noncardiogenic acute pulmonary edema after transfusion of packed red blood cells which contained antigranulocyte antibodies. The data suggested that complement activation and the release of polymorphonuclear protease were involved in the pathogenesis of the complication in the present patient. Furthermore, blood coagulative system was also activated after the transfusion. The underlying mechanisms of the complication are discussed.