Pulmonary edema during acute infusion of epoprostenol in a patient with pulmonary hypertension and limited scleroderma

J Rheumatol. 1999 May;26(5):1195-6.

Abstract

Epoprostenol (prostacyclin) is currently approved for treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension; however, it is being evaluated in other forms of pulmonary hypertension, particularly scleroderma. Side effects associated with this medication are usually minor; serious complications are most often due to the delivery system required for continuous infusion. We describe a life threatening side effect of acute epoprostenol infusion (pulmonary edema) in a patient with pulmonary hypertension associated with limited scleroderma and discuss its management and potential etiology. This is the first case where epoprostenol has been successfully reinstituted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Epoprostenol / adverse effects*
  • Epoprostenol / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / complications*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / drug therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Edema / chemically induced*
  • Pulmonary Edema / complications
  • Scleroderma, Localized / complications*

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Epoprostenol