Contribution of the brain natriuretic peptide in neurogenic pulmonary oedema following subarachnoid haemorrhage

We report two cases of neurogenic pulmonary oedema following subarachnoid haemorrhage. A 58-year-old woman became increasingly dyspneic and needed oxygen support during a few days. A 53-year-old woman rapidly developed clinical and laboratory signs of respiratory failure, recovering in 48 hours. In both cases, chest radiography showed bilateral diffuse infiltrates, electrocardiogram revealed ST abnormalities, and cardiac troponin I level was elevated. In both patients, pro brain natriuretic peptide level was increased whereas global cardiac function was normal. The factors initiating its secretion are discussed.