Swimming-induced pulmonary oedema

Abstract

Swimming-induced pulmonary oedema (SIPE) is a rare condition, where hemodynamic changes associated with immersion in water and swimming induces pulmonary oedema. Here, we report a case with a 57-year old very fit female triathlete experiencing critical lung edema during low intensity open water swimming. We speculate, that SIPE in this particular patient was caused by a combination of factors: 1) Stress-induced diastolic dysfunction, 2) tendency to vasoconstriction upon stress and 3) possibly paroxysmal atrial fibrillation induced by increased atrial pressure during the event.