Neurogenic pulmonary edema: a presenting symptom in multiple sclerosis.
Altered cardiovascular and respiratory function is uncommonly encountered in multiple sclerosis, though it may appear late in the course of the disease [4]. Episodes of acute ventilatory failure due to autonomic and/or voluntary respiratory function paralysis have already been described. These episodes are often accompanied by a focal neurological deficit which expresses lesion at the level of the medulla [6]. A demyelinating bulbar lesion leading to altered cardiovascular function is likewise infrequent but when it happens, bradycardia, postural hypotension [2], or acute pulmonary edema without heart failure may occur [1]. We present a case of non cardiogenic acute pulmonary edema which had neither a toxic insult nor an infective agent as etiology, but appeared as the initial manifestation of a multifocal demyelinating syndrome.
Gentiloni
N
N
Istituto di Clinica Medica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Policlinico A. Gemelli, Roma.
Schiavino
D
D
Della Corte
F
F
Ricci
E
E
Colosimo
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography
D011241:Prednisone