Lung pathology in high-altitude pulmonary edema

Abstract

Autopsy findings in 10 cases of high-altitude pulmonary edema have been collected from published articles and personal observations. All cases were males with a mean age of 37 years (22-62). The altitude of occurrence was from 8400 to 17 500 feet. The mean combined lung weight in nine cases was 1682 g (1200-3000 g). Cerebral edema was present in five of eight cases. The most frequency pulmonary findings in addition to diffuse edema consisted of leukocyte infiltrates, alveolar hemorrhages, thrombi in small pulmonary arteries, and alveolar hyaline membranes. Pulmonary infarction was present in only one case. Right ventricular dilatation was commonly present. The left ventricle was normal. No significant coronary disease was present.