Pulmonary edema during cardiac catheterization successfully treated with bolus administration of nicardipine

This report describes a 62-year-old patient with ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who presented pulmonary edema during cardiac catheterization. Bolus administration of nicardipine (5 mg in 5 min) into the pulmonary artery determined prompt recovery from the crisis and optimal hemodynamic conditions for completion of the catheterization. The action of the drug was mediated by the rapid reduction of the left ventricular preload and afterload. We believe that bolus administration of nicardipine is useful in treating episodes of acute left ventricular insufficiency.