Neurogenic pulmonary edema in palliative care

Neurogenic pulmonary edema may be a complication of the terminal phase of cerebral tumors. Clinically, it is likely to be considered the ''death rattle''and is likewise very distressing to attending relatives. Positional change tends to aggravate neurogenic pulmonary edema but not the ''death rattle.'' Its occurrence may be an indication for sedation for the intractable disease of the dying patient. (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 2002.