Prolonged respiratory failure due to pulmonary embolism in a young woman: a case report

The pathophysiology of pulmonary edema is generally considered to result from elevated pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure due to increased left atrial pressure in consequence of a failing left ventricle. We present a case of pulmonary edema secondary to severe hypalbuminemia under excessive respiratory drive in a 29-year-old Caucasian woman in respiratory distress with detected bilateral central pulmonary embolism. In conjunction with severe hypalbuminemia, even the negative intrathoracic pressure swings of respiratory distress may cause pulmonary edema. Detrimental consequences of non-invasive ventilation due to uncontrolled tidal volume and pressure swings need to be considered when treating patients in hypoxemic respiratory failure with low serum albumin.