Acute pulmonary edema

Abstract

The physiopatologic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of acute pulmonary edema are reviewed, with emphasis on the cardiologic etiology. The liquid accumulation in the pulmonary interstitium follow the principles observed in any other territory, beginning in the peribronquiolar space, progressing to the peri-alveolar region with the inundation of the alveolar space in the end. The integrity of the alveolo-capilar membrane is damaged in different degrees according to the pathophysiological mechanism. The diagnosis is based mainly on clinical aspects, but an additional investigation using various methods may be necessary. The treatment is directed to offer oxygen and to normalize the hematosis function, diminishing the liquid accumulated in the interstitium and reestablishing the integrity of the alveolo-capilar membrane. The immediate diagnosis and treatment are fundamental to improve prognosis.