Pathophysiology of acute mountain sickness and high altitude pulmonary oedema: An hypothesis

Abstract

The authors review the evidence that acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPO) occur together more often than is realized. They hypothesize that AMS and HAPO have a common pathophysiological basis : both are due to increased pressure and flow in the microcirculation, causing oedema in the brain and oedema in the lungs.