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Cardiogenic pulmonary edema

Case contributed by Mostafa Elfeky
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Known case with systemic lupus erythematosus developed recent acute chest pain and dyspnea

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female
ct

Bilateral symmetrical airspace consolidation in a central peribronchovascular distribution - classical appearance of acute pulmonary edema. Interlobular septal thickening most prominent in basal zone of left lower lobe.

Enlarged heart with mild pericardial effusion.

Enlarged liver and anasarca.

Case Discussion

This is an example of acute pulmonary edema on CT, that occurred due to acute heart failure secondary to myocardial infarction. This young patient has a known history of systemic lupus erythematosus. There are signs of cardiac decompensation on CT such as cardiac enlargement, mild pericardial effusion, hepatomegaly, and anasarca.

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