Pulmonary alveolar edema

Last revised by Patrick J Rock on 22 May 2021

Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data

Citation:

Weerakkody Y, Rock P, Bell D, et al. Pulmonary alveolar edema. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 19 Apr 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-41344

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-41344

Permalink:

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/41344

rID:

41344

Article created:

27 Nov 2015, Yuranga Weerakkody ◉

Disclosures:

At the time the article was created Yuranga Weerakkody had no recorded disclosures.

View Yuranga Weerakkody's current disclosures

Last revised:

22 May 2021, Patrick J Rock

Disclosures:

At the time the article was last revised Patrick J Rock had no recorded disclosures.

View Patrick J Rock's current disclosures

Revisions:

7 times, by 6 contributors - see full revision history and disclosures

Systems:

Chest

Synonyms:

Alveolar oedema
Pulmonary alveolar edema
Alveolar edema
Alveolar flooding
Alveolar pulmonary oedema
Pulmonary alveolar oedema

Pulmonary alveolar edema is a particular pattern of pulmonary edema where most of the fluid build up is in the alveolar spaces. The onset of alveolar edema may also be associated with direct pressure-induced damage to the alveolar epithelium. It can sometimes have a central perihilar pattern. Alveolar pulmonary edema is often preceded by interstitial pulmonary edema and usually develops once the pulmonary venous pressure exceeds 30 mmHg ².

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph

On chest radiographs, there are often bilateral opacities that extend in a fan-shape outwards from the hilum in a ‘batwing’ pattern. With worsening alveolar edema, the lung opacification can become increasingly homogeneous. Air bronchograms may be seen with alveolar edema ².