Acute Pulmonary Edema and Acute Coronary Syndrome: Mostly a Trigger or an Associated Phenomenon?

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema: mechanisms and treatment - an intensivist's view

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes current understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiogenic pulmonary edema, its causes and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathobiology and classification of pulmonary edema is more complex than the hydrostatic vs. permeability dichotomy of the past. Mechanisms of alveolar fluid clearance and factors that affect the clearance rate are under intensive study to find therapeutic strategies. Patients need early stabilization of oxygenation and ventilation, preferably with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen or noninvasive ventilation whereas the diagnostic cause is quickly sought with echocardiography and other testing.

SUMMARY

Treatments must be initiated early, whereas evaluation still is occurring and requires multimodality intervention. The general treatment of cardiogenic pulmonary edema includes diuretics, possibly morphine and often nitrates. The appropriate use of newer approaches - such as, nesiritide, high-dose vasodilators, milrinone, and vasopressin receptor antagonists - needs larger clinical trials.