Prolonged respiratory failure due to pulmonary embolism in a young woman: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of pulmonary edema is generally considered to result from elevated pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure due to increased left atrial pressure in consequence of a failing left ventricle. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of pulmonary edema secondary to severe hypalbuminemia under excessive respiratory drive in a 29-year-old Caucasian woman in respiratory distress with detected bilateral central pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: In conjunction with severe hypalbuminemia, even the negative intrathoracic pressure swings of respiratory distress may cause pulmonary edema. Detrimental consequences of non-invasive ventilation due to uncontrolled tidal volume and pressure swings need to be considered when treating patients in hypoxemic respiratory failure with low serum albumin.