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What are the two basic types of pulmonary edema and how do they differ in terms of their causes?

The two basic types of pulmonary edema are cardiogenic and noncardiogenic. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is caused by increased hydrostatic pulmonary capillary pressure, while noncardiogenic pulmonary edema results from alterations in capillary membrane permeability or decreased plasma oncotic pressure.

Key points

  • Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is due to heart failure.
  • Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema is related to issues with capillary membranes or plasma oncotic pressure.
  • Cardiogenic edema is characterized by increased pressure, whereas noncardiogenic edema involves permeability changes.
Source:Medical Imaging for the Health Care Provider: Practical Radiograph Interpretation· Abnormalities Found on Radiographs of the Chest· p. 97–108

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Cover of Medical Imaging for the Health Care Provider: Practical Radiograph Interpretation

Medical Imaging for the Health Care Provider: Practical Radiograph Interpretation

Campo, Theresa M., DNP, FNP-C, ENP-BC, FAANP

Springer Publishing Company, LLC

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