BRONCHIECTASIS FOLLOWING HEROIN-INDUCED PULMONARY-EDEMA - RAPID CLEARING OF PULMONARY INFILTRATES

A patient was observed 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 [possibly viral] subsequent to clearing of the pulmonary edema. Physiologic dysfunction was characterized by marked obstruction, pulmonary hypertension and mild hypoxemia.