January 17, 2026

Episode 218: Sympathetic Crashing Acute Pulmonary Edema (SCAPE)

12 minutes

We discuss the diagnosis and management of SCAPE in the ED.

Hosts:

Naz Sarpoulaki, MD, MPH

Brian Gilberti, MD

https://media.blubrry.com/coreem/content.blubrry.com/coreem/SCAPEv2.mp3

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Tags: Acute Pulmonary Edema, Critical Care

Show Notes

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The Clinical Case

Presentation: 60-year-old male with a history of HTN and asthma.

EMS Findings: Severe respiratory distress, SpO₂ in the 60s on NRB, HR 120, BP 230/180.

Exam: Diaphoretic, diffuse crackles, warm extremities, pitting edema, and significant fatigue/work of breathing.

Pre-hospital meds: NRB, Duonebs, Dexamethasone, and IM Epinephrine (under the assumption of severe asthma/anaphylaxis).

Differential Diagnosis for the Hypoxic/Tachypneic Patient

Pulmonary: Asthma/COPD, Pneumonia, ARDS, PE, Pneumothorax, Pulmonary Edema, ILD, Anaphylaxis.

Cardiac: CHF, ACS, Tamponade.

Systemic: Anemia, Acidosis.

Neuro: Neuromuscular weakness.

What is SCAPE?

Sympathetic Crashing Acute Pulmonary Edema (SCAPE) is characterized by a sudden, massive sympathetic surge leading to intense vasoconstriction and a precipitous rise in afterload.

Pathophysiology: Unlike HFrEF, these patients are often euvolemic or even hypovolemic. The primary issue is fluid maldistribution (fluid shifting from the vasculature into the lungs) due to extreme afterload.

Bedside Diagnosis: POCUS vs. CXR

POCUS is the gold standard for rapid bedside diagnosis.

Lung Ultrasound: Look for diffuse B-lines (≥3 in ≥2 bilateral zones).

Cardiac: Assess LV function and check for pericardial effusion.

Why not CXR? A meta-analysis shows LUS has a sensitivity of ~88% and specificity of ~90%, whereas CXR sensitivity is only ~73%. Importantly, up to 20% of patients with decompensated HF will have a normal CXR.

Management Strategy

1. NIPPV (CPAP or BiPAP)

Start NIPPV immediately to reduce preload/afterload and recruit alveoli.

Settings: CPAP 5–8 cm H₂O or BiPAP 10/5 cm H₂O. Escalate EPAP quickly but keep pressures to avoid gastric insufflation.

Evidence: NIPPV reduces mortality (NNT 17) and intubation rates (NNT 13).

2. High-Dose Nitroglycerin

The goal is to drop SBP to < 140–160 mmHg within minutes.

No IV Access: 3–5 SL tabs (0.4 mg each) simultaneously.

IV Bolus: 500–1000 mcg over 2 minutes.

IV Infusion: Start at 100–200 mcg/min; titrate up rapidly (doses > 800 mcg/min may be required).

Safety: ACEP policy supports high-dose NTG as both safe and effective for hypertensive HF. Use a dedicated line/short tubing to prevent adsorption issues.

3. Refractory Hypertension

If SBP remains > 160 mmHg despite NIPPV and aggressive NTG, add a second vasodilator:

Clevidipine: Ultra-short-acting calcium channel blocker (titratable and rapid).

Nicardipine: Effective alternative for rapid BP control.

Enalaprilat: Consider if the above are unavailable.

Troubleshooting & Pitfalls

The “Mask Intolerant” Patient

Hypoxia is the primary driver of agitation. NIPPV is the best sedative. * Pharmacology: If needed, use small doses of benzodiazepines (Midazolam 0.5–1 mg IV).

AVOID Morphine: Data suggests higher rates of adverse events, invasive ventilation, and mortality. A 2022 RCT was halted early due to harm in the morphine arm (43% adverse events vs. 18% with midazolam).

The Role of Diuretics

In SCAPE, diuretics are not first-line.

The problem is redistribution, not volume excess. Diuretics will not help in the first 15–30 minutes and may worsen kidney function in a (relatively) hypovolemic patient.

Delay Diuretics until the patient is stabilized and clear systemic volume overload (edema, weight gain) is confirmed.

Disposition

Admission: Typically requires CCU/ICU for ongoing NIPPV and titration of vasoactive infusions.

Weaning: As BP normalizes and work of breathing improves, infusions and NIPPV can be gradually tapered.

Take-Home Points

Recognize SCAPE: Hyperacute dyspnea + severe HTN. Trust your POCUS (B-lines) over a “clear” CXR.

NIPPV Immediately: Don’t wait. It saves lives and prevents tubes.

High-Dose NTG: Use boluses to “catch up” to the sympathetic surge. Don’t fear the dose.

Avoid Morphine: Use small doses of benzos if the patient is struggling with the mask.

Lasix Later: Prioritize afterload reduction over diuresis in the hyperacute phase.

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