[Acute mitral insufficiency revealed by unilateral Flash Pulmonary Edema].

Abstract

Flash pulmonary edema (2 % of FPE cases) is observed in 25 % of cases of acute mitral insufficiency. This clinical disorder is often mistaken for infectious pneumonitis and treated as such, with as consequence an increased mortality of these patients. The diagnosis of acute mitral insufficiency is therefore essential for the optimal management of these patients. The etiologies of mitral insufficiency can be of primary or secondary origin. Cardiac ultrasound (trans-thoracic and trans-esophageal) represent the key to the diagnosis of acute mitral insufficiency and to ensure an adapted management. It consists initially in stabilizing the patient's condition (which may be critical) via pharmacological treatments and/or mechanical support. Once stabilized, the patient can benefit from a definitive treatment of the mitral insufficiency either via valve repair (plasty) or its complete replacement.