Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema

Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (CPO) is a common presentation to the Emergency Department (ED).

There are 3 key issues in the management of CPO:

• correct and early identification of the condition
• prompt instigation of appropriate treatment
• detection of the underlying cause.

Patients who present with CPO have a poor long term outcome but their short term mortality can be improved by early correct management.

There is no formal definition of CPO; however it is characterised by the presence of excess fluid within the pulmonary interstitium and, at its most severe, within the alveoli. CPO is pulmonary oedema due to a primary cardiac or circulatory cause rather than other forms of pulmonary oedema (eg. neurogenic pulmonary oedema). CPO may be a feature of several different types of acute heart failure presentation (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Clinical Presentations of Acute Heart Failure

The European Society of Cardiologys (ESC) 2016 Guidelines on heart failure defined heart failure as patients with all of the following(1):

• Symptoms typical of heart failure
• Signs of heart failure
• Objective evidence of structural or functional abnormality of the heart at rest

The ESC Guidelines defined acute heart failure as:

A rapid onset or change in signs or symptoms of heart failure, resulting in the need for urgent therapy . Patients may present as a medical emergency such as acute pulmonary oedema.(1)

Pathophysiology

CPO arises due to a combination of problems arising within the circulatory system which have a knock on effect on one another causing a spiralling cycle of increasing fluid accumulation within the lungs which hinders gas exchange leading to worsening hypoxia and respiratory failure (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: Pathophysiology of CPO

If the left ventricle is unable to empty the blood that it receives from the lungs, there is a consequent rise in the end diastolic volume and pressure. This causes the normally low pressure system of the pulmonary vasculature to increase resulting in hydrostatic pressure exceeding oncotic pressure. Fluid then transudates into the interstitium and the alveoli; once this leak exceeds the lymphatics ability to reabsorb fluid the accumulating fluid hinders gas exchange and hypoxia develops.

Hypoxia triggers catecholamine release which causes vasoconstriction and subsequent increased systemic vascular resistance, which further impedes the ability of the left ventricle to empty. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated leading to salt and water retention, an increase in sympathetic tone and a subsequent increase in both afterload and preload. The escalation in both oxygen demand and consumption due to the increases in cardiac and respiratory work load are unable to be met as gas exchange within the lung fails and tissue hypoxia ensues.

Although there are multiple precipitating causes of CPO (see Figure 3) there appears to be clinically two main groups. Those with (i) pump failure ie. systolic dysfunction with a reduced ejection fraction and (ii) those with diastolic dysfunction and preserved ejection fraction. This latter group are often hypertensive and have stiff left ventricles which are unable to relax.

Figure 3: Precipitating Causes of Acute Heart Failure

Patients with CPO classically present to the ED in extremis, often in the early morning. The history is often limited initially and CPO can prove to be a difficult diagnosis to make, as it frequently occurs in patients with coexisting COPD and those at risk of pneumonia or pulmonary embolism. Rapidly establishing the diagnosis and identifying any precipitating causes will allow instigation of appropriate treatment, alleviation of the patients distressing symptoms and improvement in their outcome.

(i) History

The history should focus on establishing the diagnosis of CPO as well identifying any precipitating event. Previous episodes of CPO, orthopnoea or PND together with any historical factors that could point towards a precipitating cause should be elicited (see Figure 3).

Table 1 lists typical historical features of patients presenting with respiratory distress to help distinguish CPO from other causes.

Table 1: Features in the history which help to distinguish CPO from other pathologies

Symptom	CPO	COPD	Pneumonia	PE	Precipitating Cause e.g. ACS
SOB	++	+	+	+
Cough	+ pink frothy sputum	+ Dry cough	+ Green sputum	+ Haemoptysis
Chest pain			+	+	+
Palpitations	+		+	+	++
Fever		+	++
Sweating	++		+	+	+
Acuity	+			+	+
Nocturnal	++

(ii) Clinical examination (see Box 1 and Table 2)

Box 1: Typical examination findings in a patient with acute pulmonary oedema

Table 2: Typical clinical features and differential diagnosis of CPO

Table 1: Differential diagnosis of CPO

Sign	CPO	COPD	Pneumonia	PE
Heart rate	↑↑	↑	↑↑	↑↑
Blood pressure	↑	→	↓	↓
Temperature	→	→	↑	→
O2 saturations	↓↓	↓	↓	↓
Chest signs	Bilateral crepitations	Diffuse wheeze	Focal crepitations	Clear
Skin	Cold, pale and clammy	Dry and warm	Flushed and warm	Dry
Heart sounds	Murmurs, 3rd/4th heart sounds	Normal	Normal	Normal

The combination of history and examination will often lead to the appropriate diagnosis. However, the following investigations will confirm the suspected diagnosis and enable evaluation of the severity of the clinical situation.

Box 2: Essential initial investigations in the Emergency Department

Fig 4: Example ECG 1 in CPO Sinus Tachycardia with widespread T wave inversion and Q waves V1 and V2

Fig 5: Example ECG 2 in CPO Atrial flutter with 2:1 block

Fig 6: Example ECG 3 Atrial fibrillation with ventricular ectopics and lateral T wave inversion

Fig 7: CXR Large heart and interstitial and alveolar oedema

Fig 8: CXR Bilateral pleural effusions and upper lobe diversion

Box 3: Typical CPO ABG on air:

Type 1 respiratory failure with hypoxia and a metabolic acidosis

pH	7.29
pCO2	4.92
pO2	6.80
Sats	84%
HCO3	16
BXS	-5
Lactate	3.2 mmol/L

Box 4: ABG in Advanced CPO with co-existent COPD on 15L% O2:

Type 2 respiratory failure with relative hypoxia and a mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis

pH	7.12
pCO2	8.5
pO2	12.3
Sats	92%
HCO3	13
BXS	-6
Lactate	5.8 mmol/L

(i) Echocardiography:

This may not be available within the Emergency Department but it should be performed during the admission. If a mechanical problem is suspected such as valve dysfunction, ventricular wall rupture or tamponade, urgent echocardiography should be arranged.

(ii) B Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP):

BNP is produced by cardiac myocytes in response to stretch which occurs in impaired diastolic or systolic function. BNP may play an important role in acute cardiac failure. BNP assays can supplement clinical judgment when the cause of a patient’s dyspnoea is uncertain. Results should be interpreted in the context of all available clinical data. The role of BNP in chronic heart failure is, however, well established for diagnosing, staging and risk stratifying patients. [9]

BNP has reasonable sensitivity and therefore can be used to rule out heart failure as a cause of a patients breathlessness (in a primary care setting for example) but it is not very specific and therefore not useful for ruling the diagnosis in. BNP rises due to sepsis, renal or liver failure, hypoxia, myocardial ischaemia, tachycardia as well as many other reasons. In hyperacute or flash pulmonary oedema or acute mitral regurgitation the BNP level may not be elevated initially.

The priorities are to relieve symptoms and to restore haemodynamic stability and tissue perfusion. The approach to management is summarised in Box 5.

Box 5: Emergency Management of CPO:

Airway	Positioning
Breathing	High flow O2 CPAP/BiPAP
Circulation	Nitrates Furosemide
Disability	Morphine
Exposure	Positioning

(a) Airway

Allow the patient to find the best position for their airway and breathing. If the airway is compromised intervene as required. This may be due to (i) a reduction in conscious level due to hypoxia, hypercapnoea or excessive opiate administration, or (ii) due to pulmonary oedema fluid exuding from the lungs.

(b) Breathing

• British Thoracic Society Guidelines suggest in acute heart failure, aim for an oxygen saturation of 94-98% [2].
• High flow O2: 15L/minute with a reservoir bag is required for most patients, as hypoxia is frequently the key problem.
• Patients with coexistent COPD or otherwise at risk of hypercapnia need careful monitoring. When feasible the inspired O2 can be reduced to achieve target saturations of 88-92%.
• Once non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is initiated, O2 supplementation will still be required

(i) Oxygen

• High flow O2: 15L/minute with a reservoir bag is required for most patients (unless known to retain CO2), as hypoxia is frequently the key problem.
• British Thoracic Society Guidelines suggest supplemental O2 is required only if saturations are < 95% and the patient is short of breath(2).
• Patients with coexistent COPD need careful monitoring. When feasible the inspired O2 can be reduced to achieve saturations of 90-92%.
• Once non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is initiated O2 supplementation will still be required.

(ii) Non-invasive Ventilation (NIV)

The aim of NIV is to improve oxygenation, decrease the work of breathing and increase cardiac output. Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) provides a constant level of positive airways pressure preventing alveolar collapse. Bi-level Positive Airways Pressure (BiPAP) enables increased CO2 clearance by providing a higher level of positive pressure on inspiration.

Box 6: Evidence Base for Non-invasive ventilation in CPO

A Cochrane Review (2008) systematically reviewed the research data published prior to 2005 and concluded that NIV should be considered and implemented in all CPO patients early unless contraindicated. The Review reported that: (i) CPAP decreased intubations, mortality and length of ITU stay and that (ii) BiPAP may be of use in CO2-retaining patients but that more research was required. In order to avoid 1 death, the number needed to treat (NNT) with CPAP was 9 and to avoid 1 intubation the NNT with CPAP was 6(3).

The 3CPO trial also published in 2008 is the largest multicentre RCT which compared standard medical therapy to BiPAP and CPAP(4). This study found no reduction in mortality or intubation rates in either of the NIV groups but patients felt better more quickly. There was no evidence of additional harm.

The ESC recommends that all CPO patients should be considered for NIV early on in their management (unless contraindicated)(1).

Learning Bite

Consider NIV early in the management of all patients with cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, unless contraindicated

Table 3: Practical aspects related to Non-invasive Ventilation in CPO

Indications	Consider in all patients with CPO Particularly pH<7.35 Respiratory rate >20/min
Cautions	Right ventricular failure Cardiogenic shock Severe obstructive airways disease Agitated patient
Contraindications	Immediate endotracheal intubation indicated Respiratory arrest or inadequate spontaneous ventilation Worsening life threatening hypoxia Unconscious patient unable to protect own airway
How to deliver NIV	Correctly fitting mask Supplemental O2 Commence PEEP at 5-7.5 cm H2O and increase to 10cm as tolerated Continue for 30min/hr until reduction in dyspnoea and saturations are maintained off NIV
Complications	Intolerance due to anxiety, skin/eye discomfort, dry mouth Worsening right ventricular failure Hypercapnoea Pneumothorax Aspiration

(c) Circulation

(i) Diuretics:

Loop diuretics reduce preload by preventing sodium chloride reabsorption in the ascending Loop of Henle, which increases fluid excretion. Preload is also reduced by their vasodilatory action. Both of these actions should be beneficial in a patient with CPO and fluid overload.

For decades diuretics have been the accepted mainstay of treatment in CPO despite a lack of randomised controlled trials demonstrating beneficial outcome; there is some evidence suggesting a detrimental effect at high doses(1,5,6,7,8). Specifically, their use may dehydrate the euvolaemic patient and cause hyponatraemia and hypotension. Also, due to their effect on the renin/angiontensin/aldosterone system and stimulation of the sympathetic system, diuretics may increase afterload thereby decreasing stroke volume and cardiac output.

Patients with CPO generally have elevated systemic vascular resistance and reduced renal perfusion and consequently diuretic action may be delayed by up to 1 hour. It is probably only the vasodilatory action of diuretics that is initially beneficial and this can also be achieved with IV nitrates(5).

The ESC Guidelines advocate small intravenous boluses of furosemide at 20-40mg for patients with CPO and symptoms of fluid overload or congestion. In those with CPO already taking chronic diuretic therapy, the initial IV bolus should be at least equivalent to their usual oral dose [1].

Learning Bite

High dose diuretics should be used with caution and only in those with evidence of fluid overload and a history of long term diuretic use

ii) Vasodilators:

These agents have positive physiological effects by off-loading the heart through their venous and/or arteriolar vasodilatory effects causing a reduction in pre-load and/or after-load. Vasodilators should not be used in patients with a systolic blood pressure of less than 90mmHg or in those with aortic stenosis (who are dependent on sufficient preload to force blood across the gradient).

Nitrates

The majority of patients with CPO have a high-end-of-normal blood pressure at presentation and are able to tolerate nitrates. Initially administer sublingual nitrates until intravenous access is established and then commence IV at a rate of 10-20mcg/min, increasing every 3-5 min by 5-10 mcg/min as needed and as BP allows, up to a maximum of 200mcg/min [1].

Nitroprusside

This is an alternative vasodilator which reduces preload and afterload. It is particularly useful in the rare cases of extreme hypertension precipitating CPO (ie. in a hypertensive emergency).

It can precipitously drop the systolic blood pressure but tolerance is not an issue as it is with nitrates.

The ESC 2016 guidelines suggest cautiously commencing an infusion at 0.3 mcg/Kg/min (titrated up to 5 mcg/Kg/min) with invasive blood pressure monitoring (1).

Nesiritide

• This is a recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide with both a diuretic and natriuretic effect, as well as being a venous and arterial vasodilator.
• It is currently used in the USA but has limited licensing in the UK and Europe.(1)

(iii) Inotropes:

Inotropes should be considered if hypotension or signs of end organ hypoperfusion persist despite use of vasodilators/diuretics.

They should be commenced early once the need is recognised and stopped as soon as adequate tissue perfusion is achieved.

Their use is associated with increased mortality, as they increase cardiac oxygen demand and myocardial injury.

Dobutamine is probably the first choice agent. Infusion is commenced at 2-3mcg/kg/min and increased as required.(1)

(d) Disability

Morphine should be given early for patients who are agitated and distressed or complaining of chest pain.

Opiates also provide a potential physiological benefit due to their vasodilatory effects and resultant reduction in pre-load.

Only small boluses of 2.5-5mg are recommended as opiates may cause hypotension and/or respiratory depression.(1)

Exposure

Position the patient sitting upright supported with pillows as appropriate for their conscious level.

Cardiac failure has a very poor long term outcome and the prognosis can be worse than that of many cancers.

The ESC 2008 Guidelines report that acute heart failure associated with cardiogenic shock has an in-hospital mortality ranging from 40-60%. However, in those that present with hypertensive acute heart failure their in-hospital mortality is low(1).

In the 3CPO trial the 7-day mortality was 9.5% for the NIV arms, 9.8% for the standard therapy arm and 9.9% for non-recruited patients. The 30-day mortality was 15.2% in the combined NIV arms and 16.2% in the standard therapy arm(4).

The following features are associated with a worse outcome: (1)

• Advanced Age
• Wide QRS
• Hyponatraemia
• Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
• Hypotension
• Precipitated by ischaemia
• Previous hospitalisation for heart failure
• Marked BNP elevation
• Elevated troponin

Key Learning Points

• CPO most commonly occurs in the elderly and those with ischaemic or valvular heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
• Clinical presentation is classically the triad of breathlessness, sweating and agitation.
• The examination findings are tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypoxia and bibasal inspiratory crepitations. A gallop rhythm may be present.
• Blood pressure is generally high. A systolic of <90 mmHg is associated with cardiogenic shock and a significantly higher mortality.
• Precipitating causes must be looked for such as cardiac ischaemia or infarction, acute mitral valve regurgitation, arrhythmias or high output states such as sepsis.
• ABG, CXR and ECG are the key initial investigations needed in the ED. Baseline bloods including troponin should also be performed.
• ABG generally show type 1 respiratory failure.
• Echocardiography should be performed during the admission and, if an acute mechanical cardiac problem is suspected, it should be performed urgently (Class I, level of evidence C)
• Treatment should consist of sitting the patient up, administering high flow O2 (Class I, level of evidence C), intravenous nitrates (Class I, level of evidence B) and instituting NIV if appropriate (Class IIa, level of evidence B).
• Low dose furosemide should also be administered; only use higher doses if the patient is fluid overloaded and/or on maintenance diuretic therapy (Class I, level of evidence B)
• In the agitated patient or those with coexistent chest pain small doses of morphine should be titrated. (Class I, level of evidence C)

• Mistaking COPD for CPO or vice versa
• Mistaking pneumonia for CPO and the consequent misuse of vasodilators and diuretics in septic patients
• Failure to identify and treat the precipitating cause of CPO e.g. STEMI
• Inappropriate use of high dose diuretics in patients with CPO who are euvolaemic or hypovolaemic

1. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. European Heart Journal (2016) 37, 21292200.
2. O’Driscoll BR, Howard LS, Earis J on behalf of the BTS Emergency Oxygen Guideline Development Group, et al British Thoracic Society Guideline for oxygen use in adults in healthcare and emergency settings BMJ Open Respiratory Research 2017;4:e000170. doi: 10.1136/bmjresp-2016-000170.
3. F M R Vital, H Saconato, M T Ladeira, A Sen, et al. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (CPAP or bilevel NPPV) for cardiogenic pulmonary edema (Review). Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews 2008, Issue 3.Art.No.: CD005351.DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005351.pub2.
4. A Gray, S Goodacre, D E Newby, M Masson et al. Noninvasive Ventilation in Acute Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema. The New England Journal of Medicine. July 10 2008. Vol 359, iss 2: pg 142
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7. G Cotter, E Metzkor, Z Faigenerg, R Miller, A Simovitz et al. Randomised trial of high dose isosorbide dinitrate plus low dose furosemide versus high dose furosemide plus low dose isosorbide dinitrate in severe pulmonary oedema. The Lancet. Vol 351, February 7th 1998 page389-393.
8. M Metra, J R Teerlink, A A Voors, G M Felker, O Milo-Cotter et al. Vasodilators in the treatment of acute heart failure: what we know, what we dont. Heart failure Reviews. DOI 10.1007/s10741-008-9127-5
9. Weintraub NL et al. Acute Heart Failure Syndromes: Emergency Department Presentation, Treatment, and Disposition: Current Approaches and Future Aims. A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2010;122:1975-1996.