Non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema due to foreign body aspiration

A patient who developed non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema secondary to acute airway obstruction caused by an aspirated foreign body is presented. The literature is reviewed, discussing the theories regarding the formation of non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. The case highlights the importance of this rare complication of foreign body aspiration and surgeons and anaesthetists should be alert to continued respiratory symptoms following relief of acute airway obstruction.