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Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema in a 22-Year-Old Male Secondary to a Ruptured Cerebellar Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is an acute form of pulmonary edema that can follow a severe central nervous system insult. We describe a 22-year-old man who developed profound hypoxemic respiratory failure during presentation with a ruptured right cerebellar arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Emergency medical personnel found him unresponsive with agonal respirations after he had taken an unidentified medication for a severe headache. Because opioid toxicity was initially suspected, he received 2 milligrams (mg) of intranasal naloxone, with transient improvement in breathing. In the ED, he had pinpoint pupils, depressed consciousness, crackles, and a high oxygen requirement. After an additional 1 mg of intravenous naloxone, he became markedly hypoxemic and hypotensive, with copious pink frothy secretions, and required tracheal intubation and vasopressor support. Toxicology testing detected cannabinoids but not opioids. Computed tomography demonstrated an 18.7 milliliter (mL) right cerebellar hemorrhage, fourth-ventricular and basal-cistern mass effect, tonsillar herniation, an underlying AVM, and extensive bilateral pulmonary consolidation. An external ventricular drain was placed, but planned decompressive surgery was aborted when prone positioning caused severe oxygen desaturation and pulmonary secretions. Despite neurocritical and respiratory support, cerebral perfusion imaging later showed absent intracranial blood flow. The clinical pattern was most consistent with NPE caused by the catastrophic posterior fossa hemorrhage. Naloxone-associated pulmonary edema and aspiration were contributing considerations; the temporal deterioration after the second dose does not establish causation. This case emphasizes early recognition of pulmonary complications after acute brain injury and careful, evidence-based attribution when several mechanisms are plausible.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.117635

Authors: Michael Dylan Collins, Amit Sharma, Aaron Hacker, Imani Thornton

Institutions: HCA Healthcare, Nova Southeastern University

Language: English

Topic: Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy and Associated Phenomena

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: HCA Healthcare