Background

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) is defined as pulmonary edema due to

increased capillary hydrostatic pressure secondary to elevated pulmonary
venous pressure. CPE reflects the accumulation of fluid with a low-protein
content in the lung interstitium and alveoli as a result of cardiac dysfunction
(see the image below). (See Etiology.)

Radiograph shows acute

pulmonary edema in a patient who was admitted with acute anterior
myocardial infarction. Findings are vascular redistribution, indistinct hila, and
alveolar infiltrates.
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