High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) with pulmonary embolism

Abstract

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening condition occurring at heights above 2500 meter mostly within 2-4 days of entry in high altitude. Postmortem studies showed evidence of thrombi in cases of HAPE suggesting possible role of thrombosis in the pathogenesis of HAPE. Here, we are presenting the two cases of HAPE with pulmonary embolism, and the possibility of pulmonary embolism should be considered in cases of HAPE with persistent radiographic opacities despite oxygen or descent.

Keywords

• High altitude
• pulmonary edema
• pulmonary embolism