Hemodynamic observations on pulmonary edema associated with a beta-mimetic agent. A report of two cases.

Pulmonary edema associated with the use of beta agonists in the treatment of preterm labor is a major risk of tocolytic therapy. The data obtained from echocardiographic and hemodynamic evaluation in one such case and echocardiography in another differ markedly from those in two previously published reports. Specifically, the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure became elevated, and both patients failed to improve with oxygen therapy and positional changes only. Left ventricular dysfunction was ruled out as the possible cause since the left ventricular structure and function were normal on echocardiography. The heart failure was probably the result of increased preload, giving rise to increased end diastolic pressure and hence pulmonary edema. Diuretic therapy is very important in this situation.