IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Acute pulmonary edema

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Acute on chronic shortness of breath. Known ischemic heart disease and previous CABG.

Patient Data

Age: 90 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Sternotomy wires and mediastinal clips are in keeping with previous CABG.

There is increased interstitial markings through the lungs, upper zone vascular redistribution and bilateral perihilar alveolar opacification. There are also bilateral pleural effusions. The heart is enlarged  even allowing for AP projection.

Features in keeping with cardiogenic acute pulmonary edema (APO).

Case Discussion

Typical radiographic features of acute pulmonary edema.

The patient recovered well following appropriate medical therapy.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.