# Systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by acute mountain sickness: a case report and literature review

## TL;DR

A young traveler developed severe health complications, including organ dysfunction, from acute mountain sickness at high altitude.

## Contribution

This is one of the first reports linking acute mountain sickness to gastric injury and multiple organ dysfunction.

## Key findings

- A patient with acute mountain sickness developed systemic inflammatory response and multiple organ dysfunction.
- Conservative treatment with oxygen supplementation improved the patient's condition.
- The case highlights the rare but severe risks of high-altitude exposure.

## Abstract

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a common condition following rapid exposure to high altitude, though severe complications such as acute gastrointestinal bleeding, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) are rare. Herein, we report a case of SIRS and MODS in a young traveler who visited Lhasa, Tibet (elevation 3,650 m). Three days after arrival, the patient developed headache, abdominal pain, significant hematemesis, and persistent hypotension. Gastroscopy revealed diffuse bleeding of the gastric mucosa. Laboratory tests indicated multi-organ dysfunction involving the lungs, liver, and kidneys. The patient responded well to conservative treatment of continuous oxygen supplementation. This case represents one of the first reported instances of acute gastric mucosal injury and MODS induced by AMS, underscoring the significant medical risks associated with high-altitude environments.