[Heroin-induced pulmonary edema]

Anaestesiologisk afdeling, Arhus Kommunehospital.

Based on a case story and having examined the literature, we describe the incidence, symptoms, course, complications and treatment of the kind of pulmonary oedema that may arise in connection with acute heroin intoxication. A possible pathogenesis is also discussed. Heroin-induced pulmonary oedema is rather frequent and the mortality is high. It differs from cardiogenic pulmonary oedema at essential points. It is most likely due to an increased permeability of the lung capillaries. However, it is still unclarified whether this is caused by a toxic or an allergic reaction, or by hypoxia. The treatment is supportive, using a respirator and oxygen enriched breathing air until the hypoxia has been abolished, and support of the circulation with reasonable liquid supply and infusion of inotropic and vasoactive drugs.

PMID: 8259608 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]