Swimming induced pulmonary edema (SIPE) is an unusual condition occuring during swimming in cold open water. SIPE is characterized by acute onset of dyspnea and cough, excessive sputum and occasionally hemoptysis. Reversible myocardial dysfunction has been described in swimmers with SIPE and divers with immersion pulmonary edema (IPE). Cardiac dysfunction has also been discussed as a contributing factor triggering SIPE. However, prevalence, severity and prognosis of myocardial dysfunction in patients with SIPE is unknown. Official recommendations for cardiac evaluation of patients after an acute episode of SIPE is lacking.~This case-control-study intends to assess cardiac function in patients with SIPE and in asymptomatic swimmers. We study a large cohort of approximately 12 000 swimmers during Vansbrosimningen, Sweden's biggest annual open water event, with a yearly incidence of SIPE of about 0,4%. Cardiac function is evaluated after swimming as well as at rest by echocardiography, 12-lead electrocardiogram and cardiac biomarkers (Troponin I, NT-pro-BNP).
Acute or chronic cardiac dysfunction could be a contributing factor to swimming-induced pulmonary edema (SIPE). Knowledge on cardiac function in SIPE is limited and recommendations for cardiac evaluation of patients with SIPE are lacking. The present study was designed to assess cardiac function in patients with SIPE and in asymptomatic swimmers.