Definition

• Accumulation of fluid in the interstitium and alveoli of the lungs
  • Classified as cardiogenic or noncardiogenic
• Cardiogenic pulmonary edema
  • Due to increased pulmonary capillary pressure, as seen in severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and mitral valve disease
    • Mild: engorgement of pulmonary vasculature
    • Moderate: extravasation into interstitial space due to changes in oncotic pressure
    • Severe: alveolar filling
• Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema
  • Due to a variety of noncardiac mechanisms
    • Altered alveolar–capillary membrane permeability (acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS])
    • Decreased plasma oncotic pressure
    • Increased negativity of interstitial pressure
    • Lymphatic insufficiency or obstruction
    • Other, unknown mechanisms

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