[Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema].

Acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema frequently occurs in clinical practice, frequently in an old patient. It consists in acute respiratory distress related to rapid development of transsudative fluid within the lung interstitium and alveolar accumulation. It requires rapid assessment and therapy to prevent progression to respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse. The pathogenesis and identification of the underlying disease process are essential for optimal medical approach. The aetiology is multiple.