Roentgenographic manifestations of methadone induced pulmonary edema

Twenty cases of methadone induced pulmonary edema confirmed by clinical, laboratory and roentgenographic findings were extensively reviewed, and the roentgenographic manifestations defined in terms of patterns, distribution and duration of the process. Drug tolerance is a major factor in determining the severity of toxicity. Roentgenographic clearing in 48 hr or less, clinical improvement, and pathogen free sputum aspirates serve to differentiate edema from pneumonia.