Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury Following Upper Extremity Replantation

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a common adverse effect of blood transfusion that is often underrecognised and underreported. We would like to report a case of TRALI after the replantation and transfusion of blood components in a male patient who had sustained a complete amputation of the right upper extremity. The level of amputation was just proximal to the humeral condyles. Replantation was performed 5 hours after the accident and 36 units of blood products were transfused intraoperatively. Subsequently, during the early postoperative period, TRALI was revealed. In this case report, the circumstances of this injury and preventive measures are discussed to understand and recognise this condition in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality of TRALI. It is important to distinguish TRALI from other causes of pulmonary oedema because early diagnosis and management are associated with a favourable outcome.