Mendelson syndrome, also known as peptic pneumonia, refers to acute chemical pneumonitis caused by the aspiration of stomach contents in patients under general anesthesia.
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Clinical presentation
This syndrome develops rapidly (2-12 hours after aspiration) and within hours the patient may become
- tachypneic
- hypoxic
- febrile
Other signs include
- bronchospasm with need for increasing ventilation pressure
- bronchial hypersecretion
- pulmonary vasoconstriction
- cyanosis
Usually there is minimal sputum production ref.
Pathology
The primary pathogenesis is secondary to the aspiration of acidic stomach contents, although other body juices, e.g. bile, may also play a role.
Pathogenesis
The chemical burns and causes occlusion of bronchi and bronchioles damaging the epithelium typically leading to pulmonary edema (ARDS). Secondary bacterial superinfection (aspiration pneumonia) may develop.
Radiographic features
Plain radiography and CT may depict fleeting infiltrates (which do not last more than one to two days), atelectasis and non-cardiac lung edema.
History and etymology
It is named after the American obstetrician and cardiologist (dual certified) Curtis L Mendelson (1913-2002), who described it in 1946 2.
Differential diagnosis
- cardiac failure
- amniotic fluid embolism
- in chronic state may mimic a lung mass
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