Flash pulmonary edema in the cardiac catheterization laboratory: a case report

Maryam Mehrpooya; Mohammad Reza Eftekhari; Tara  Moghaddasfar

doi:10.18502/fem.v7i3.13826

Maryam Mehrpooya Department of Cardiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Reza Eftekhari Department of Cardiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Tara Moghaddasfar Department of Cardiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fem.v7i3.13826

Keywords: Aortic Valve Insufficiency, Bioprosthesis, Case Reports, Coronary Angiography, Pulmonary Edema

Abstract

Flash pulmonary edema is a potentially fatal condition that can suddenly deteriorate a patient's status in a variety of settings, including the catheterization laboratory. We describe a 51-year-old woman with a history of hypertension who was admitted for a second valve operation for degenerated aortic bioprosthesis. Before undergoing coronary angiography, she looked a little worried, she experienced respiratory distress and a significant increase in blood pressure in favor of acute flash pulmonary edema, which was immediately and successfully managed by respiratory support and administration of high-dose intravenous nitroglycerine and loop diuretic therapy. The present scenario highlights the significance of being aware of the warning signs of acute flash pulmonary edema to make a prompt diagnosis and initiate the appropriate treatment to prevent catastrophic consequences.