Stroke at moderate altitude.

Objective: To know the clinical profile, presence of various risk factors for stroke at moderate altitude and to study its relationship with hypertension and polycythemia at moderate altitude.

Methods: We analyzed the data of 100 patients, consecutively admitted to a hospital situated at an moderate altitude of 2200 meters MSL of Sub-Himalayan ranges and studied the age, gender, geographical distribution, clinical features and presence of various risk factors in relation to stroke. This is not only the first study conducted in Himachal Pradesh but also first study in India to be conducted at moderate altitude (2000-3000 meters MSL).

Life threatening unilateral pulmonary oedema at moderate altitude.

A-23-year-old medical student, resident of an altitude of 700 meters, developed dyspnea and cough during a temple visit at an altitude of 2200 m within 10 hours of arrival and his symptoms improved on descending and with 100% oxygen. Chest skiagram and CT scan chest revealed soft fluffy shadows on the left side with small right lung and absent right pulmonary artery. Absent right pulmonary artery was responsible for development of pulmonary oedema at moderate altitude.