[Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema as a complication of upper airway obstruction]

A patient aged 67 years, with severe dyspnoea caused by supraglottitis, necessitating intubation and tracheotomy was admitted to hospital. Although the respiratory condition initially improved, dyspnoea recurred. This could be explained by noncardiogenic pulmonary oedema, a complication of upper airway obstruction. The clinical symptoms, pathophysiology and therapy are discussed.