Abstract
RATIONALE: Acute pulmonary edema is relatively uncommon during pregnancy. Due to its easy misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, the mortality rate of acute pulmonary edema in the postpartum period is very high. There is limited data in the literature on imaging analysis of acute pulmonary edema in the postpartum period, which may contribute to its misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: This case describes a 28-year-old woman who was admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit with dyspnea that had been misdiagnosed as pneumonia 3 days after delivery. DIAGNOSES: After careful radiographic imaging analysis and bedside ultrasound monitoring, the patient was finally diagnosed with acute pulmonary edema. INTERVENTIONS: Subsequently, oxygen inhalation, diuresis, human albumin supplementation, and other treatments were administered. OUTCOMES: Her symptoms basically disappeared within 1 day, and the patient did not report any discomfort with 7 months of follow-up. LESSONS: It has highlighted the importance of analyzing radiographic findings in the diagnosis of acute pulmonary edema during the postpartum period in this case. This analysis of radiographic findings requires multidisciplinary consultation between obstetricians and other specialties in the management of maternal health. It also reflects that early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to improving postpartum acute pulmonary edema.