Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema Following Status Epilepticus: An Unusual Case

Abstract

Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is rare in pediatric patients. It occurs most commonly following brain malignancies, traumatic brain injuries, infections and seizures. It has rarely been reported in pediatric patients following status epilepticus. The pathophysiology is not completely understood and is proposed to be due to overactivity of sympathetic nervous system leading to pulmonary interstitial and alveolar edema. Here we present a case of a 4-year-old healthy boy with status epilepticus secondary to febrile seizures who developed NPE. Treatment is supportive ventilator management with low tidal volume and high positive end-expiratory pressure. Timely diagnosis and management is the key for good recovery. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with rapidly developing pulmonary edema in the setting of normal cardiac function. Int J Clin Pediatr. 2015;4(4):186-188 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/ijcp230w