The Complexity of Diagnosing High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema: A Case Report and Review of the Differential Diagnosis of Greater Than Expected Hypoxemia at Altitude

Abstract

Reno, Elaine, Danika Evans, and Christopher Davis. The complexity of diagnosing high-altitude pulmonary edema: a case report and review of the differential diagnosis of greater than expected hypoxemia at altitude. High Alt Med Biol. 20:181-186, 2019.-High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a common presumptive diagnosis for a patient who experiences significant dyspnea and cyanosis at altitude. In this study, we present a case of a 58-year-old woman who was initially diagnosed with HAPE, although further evaluation revealed the presence of two underlying contributors to her significant hypoxemia at altitude. We discuss the medical workup for causes of greater than expected hypoxemia at altitude and the role some relevant medical comorbidities may play.

Edema agudo de pulmón asociado al mal de altitud agudo en Huaraz: estudio transversal analítico

“…El diagnóstico diferencial de una persona que presenta disnea exagerada, hipoxemia e intolerancia al ejercicio en un contexto de ascenso reciente a la altitud es amplio. Algunos procesos comunes son neumonía, hipertensión pulmonar, asma, embolia pulmonar, exacerbación de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, neumotórax, enfermedades asociadas con debilidad de los músculos respiratorios, trastornos del control de la ventilación, insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva, infarto agudo de miocardio, shunts intra y extracardíacos, hipertiroidismo, enfermedad renal crónica y anemia severa (51) . En el contexto actual de pandemia viral, también se debe pensar en el SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).…”