High-altitude pulmonary edema presenting 18 hours after descent

Abstract

High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a potentially life-threatening condition that is rapidly and definitively treated by descent. We report a case of worsening HAPE, presenting more than 18 hours after descent to sea level. The patient was treated with diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and oxygen and improved during a 24-hour observation period. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of HAPE symptoms increasing after descent from altitude.