Background:
Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a clinical syndrome characterized by an acute increase of pulmonary interstitial and alveolar fluid. It could result from a significant central nervous system (CNS) insult such as intracranial hemorrhage. However, NPE as a major presenting manifestation of cerebellar hemorrhage was seldom reported.
Case description:
We introduce a rare case of a 34-year-old woman suffering from a fulminant NPE in parallel with a spontaneous cerebellar hemorrhage. Although appropriate supportive measures were taken in the neuroscience care unit, the patient failed to survive hypoxemia within 28 h after hospital admission.
Conclusion:
Pathological lesions of the cerebellum may initiate a cascade of reactions including massive sympathetic discharge and catecholamine storm, leading to a dysfunction of both cardiovascular and respiratory systems. By far, no effective therapeutic strategies have been utilized to treat such a situation. Our present report would shed light on the underlying mechanism of NPE.