Neurogenic pulmonary edema in head injuries: analysis of 5 cases / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To review the pathophysiology and study the diagnosis and clinical management of neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data of 5 patients who developed NPE after head injury treated in our hospital form December 1995 to May 2003 were collected and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The patients developed dyspnea and respiratory failure 2-8 hours after neurologic event. Four of the 5 patients presented with pink frothy sputum. Chest radiography showed bilateral diffuse infiltrations in all the 5 patients. After supportive measures such as oxygen support and pharmacologic therapy, 4 patients recovered in 72 hours and one patient died.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The pathophysiologic mechanisms of NPE is unclear. In acute respiratory failure following head injury, NPE must be given much attention and timely and effective measures should be taken.</p>