Pathology of high altitude pulmonary oedema

ABSTRACT

To describe autopsy findings in fatal cases of high altitude pulmonary oedema. Descriptive study. The study was carried out between 1999 and 2002 at an army field medical unit in Baltistan, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi and Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Autopsies were performed in 17 fatal cases of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema [HAPE] occurring among soldiers serving in Siachen. All cases were males with a mean age of 26.8 years [19-35]. The mean altitude at which HAPE occurred was 5192 meters [2895-6492], and the mean duration of stay at these altitudes was 15.3 days [1-30]. Eleven individuals had undergone proper acclimatization. The commonest clinical findings were cough [70%] dyspnoea [53%], nausea [47%], headache [41%], vomiting [35%], chest pain [35%] and tightness in chest [24%]. Cyanosis and frothy secretions in the nostrils and mouth were present in all but one case. Mean combined weight of lungs was 1470 grams [1070-1810]. There was marked congestion of outer and cut surfaces. Interstitial oedema was present in all cases. RBCs and leukocyte infiltrates were seen in 13 and alveolar hyaline membranes in 9 cases. Thrombi were seen in 2 cases. Cerebral oedema was present in 9 cases. HAPE can occur after more than two weeks of stay at high altitudes despite proper acclimatization. Concomitant cerebral oedema is frequently present. Our autopsy findings are consistent with what has been reported previously