[Pulmonary edema in high altitude]

Three cases of high altitude pulmonary edema (Hurtado's disease) are described. The onset of the symptoms occurred within 72 hours after arrival from the sea level. Their main clinical features were dry cough, shortness of breath, tachycardia, progressive dyspnea and weakness. Rales and obstructive bronchial signs were detected on chest auscultation. Treatment included oxygen administration, diuretics and bed rest, with satisfactory clinical evolution within four days. Hurtado's disease is a form of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, increased pulmonary vascular pressure and permeability are, probably, the main factors in its development. It has been suggested that both factors could a be consequence of hypobaric hypoxia.