Mendelson's syndrome

(Curtis Lester Mendelson, 20th century, American obstetrician and gynaecologist), massive aspiration of gastric contents occurring during periods of altered consciousness. The clinical features include cough, wheezing, cyanosis, dyspnoea and tachypnoea. The pathological changes consist of a chemical tracheobronchitis and pneumonia due to gastric acid. Secondary bacterial infection is common and the clinical course is complicated by pulmonary embolism and adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The radiological appearance consists of diffuse perihilar air-space consolidation, very similar to that of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. In uncomplicated cases, opacities may clear over the subsequent 4 or 5 days. Secondary bacterial pneumonia and ARDS are adverse features which may lead to a fatal outcome.

PG