Description

Flash pulmonary edema refers to sudden onset of acute pulmonary edema. It may occur if one or more risk factors are present. It may quickly reverse if the precipitating cause is transient.


 

Risk factors for flash pulmonary edema:

(1) severe hypertension, especially associated with renal arterial stenosis

(2) sudden worsening of mitral regurgitation

(3) acute left ventricular systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction

(3a) associated with coronary artery disease

(3b) associated with cardiac arrhythmia

(4) drug injection (epinephrine, other)

(5) rapid infusion of blood or other fluids

(6) upper airway obstruction including tracheal compression

(7) left ventricular outflow obstruction

 


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