High altitude pulmonary edema in a patient with previous pneumonectomy

J Formos Med Assoc. 2007 Apr;106(4):320-2. doi: 10.1016/S0929-6646(09)60259-X.

Abstract

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening illness that can occur in individuals ascending to altitudes exceeding 2400 m. The risk factors are rapid ascent, physical exertion and a previous history of HAPE. This work presents a case study of a 74-year-old man who underwent left side pneumonectomy 40 years ago and subsequently experienced several instances of HAPE. The well-known risk factors for HAPE were excluded in this patient. We suspect that the post-pneumonectomy condition may be a risk factor for HAPE based on this case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Altitude Sickness / complications*
  • Altitude Sickness / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumonectomy / adverse effects*
  • Pulmonary Edema / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Edema / etiology*
  • Risk Factors