Work

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by acute mountain sickness: a case report and literature review

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common condition following rapid exposure to high altitude, though severe complications such as acute gastrointestinal bleeding, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) are rare. Herein, we report a case of SIRS and MODS in a young traveler who visited Lhasa, Tibet (elevation 3,650 m). Three days after arrival, the patient developed headache, abdominal pain, significant hematemesis, and persistent hypotension. Gastroscopy revealed diffuse bleeding of the gastric mucosa. Laboratory tests indicated multi-organ dysfunction involving the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The patient responded well to conservative treatment of continuous oxygen supplementation. This case represents one of the first reported instances of acute gastric mucosal injury and MODS induced by AMS, underscoring the significant medical risks associated with high-altitude environments.

Source: Frontiers in Physiology

DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1546307

Authors: Bowen Wang, Mengjia Peng, Guoyong Kou, Fei Fang, Jinhang Gao

Institutions: Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University

Language: English

Topic: High Altitude and Hypoxia

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801