RESUMEN
A retrospective analysis was made of 56 children with a definite diagnosis of pulmonary edema,in whom x-ray films were taken before and after treatment.Four patients had been in Tibet for five months to 6 years.In 50 patients,pulmonary edema occurred 6~72 hours after they flied into Tibet.Two of them died during treatment because of delayed treatment and critical conditions.All 56 patients were of Han nationality,aged 5 months to 12 years.Childhood acute pulmonary edema accountes for 69% of all high altitude pulmonary edema cases.Childhood pulmonary edema had an acute onset,and it ran a fulminating course.chest films usually showed disseminating alveolar changes,and the diagnosis may be misleading.X-ray physicians should get familiar with the diagnosis to avoid a delayed diagnosis and treatment.