title: [Heroin-induced pulmonary oedema].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Heroin-induced pulmonary oedema is an infrequent complication to a heroin overdose; the incidence in Norway is unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  One case is presented and pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment are discussed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pulmonary oedema caused by the use of heroin may develop immediately or usually up to 1-2 hours after exposure. The symptoms usually resolve with supportive treatment within 1 or 2 days. Some patients require mechanical ventilation. The pathophysiology includes a rapid capillary leakage of unknown aetiology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Heroin use is widespread in Norway, and users are found all over the country. There are important differences between cardiogenic and heroin-induced pulmonary oedema regarding pathophysiology and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Anestesiavdelingen, Ullevål universitetssykehus, 0407 Oslo. sveinaslak.landsverk@ulleval.no
authors.forename: Svein Aslak
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Landsverk
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Granheim
authors.forename: Knut Arvid
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Kirkebøen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography