Management of acute pulmonary edema in the emergency department.

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a safe and effective technique that can prevent side effects and complications related to endotracheal intubation. Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema is currently the second most common indication for NIV, mainly in emergency departments. In this article we examine recent literature related to the applications of NIV in the acute setting with regard to patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In addition, we examine the epidemiology and the pathophysiology of acute heart failure.