These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: [Neurogenic pulmonary edema: five cases report].
    Author: Lin CN, Howng SL, Kuo TH, Hwang SL, Kao EL.
    Journal: Gaoxiong Yi Xue Ke Xue Za Zhi; 1992 Sep; 8(9):510-9. PubMed ID: 1294767.
    Abstract:
    Five patients with neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) were reported. The edemas were caused by head injuries in four patients and by a craniotomy in the fifth. The onset of NPE was either acute (3 hours after injury) or was slow to develop (4 days later). Clinical symptoms included the sudden onset of coughing, tachypnea, tachycardia, and pink bubbly sputum. Moreover, the patients also suffered cyanosis, confusion, or respiratory failure. The distribution of the resulting pulmonary edema was diffuse in 4 cases and localized within a single lobe of the lung in 1 case. Treatment of the NPE included reducing intracranial pressure (glycerol), diuresis (furosemide and mannitol), narcotics (morphine, phenobarbital), and blocking the peripheral effect of sympathetic reflex activity (hydralazine, sodium nitroprusside). Mechanical ventilation support (CPU-1) in combination with controlled hyperventilation may also be necessary. The inability to correct hypoxemia without toxic levels of oxygen necessitates the use of PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure, +5-10 cmH2O). Resolution of symptoms was noted 24 to 48 hours after treatment in 4 patients. Early diagnosis and intensive care of the pulmonary edema may have a significant bearing on the recovery of lung functions. Unfortunately, 4 of the patients failed to survive because of central nervous system failure. We therefore want to emphasize that NPE can cause secondary deterioration of neurological functions. In conclusion, when dealing with respiratory distress patients with CNS injuries, the possibility of additional damage from a NPE must be taken into consideration.
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]