Diagnosis of Pulmonary Edema Clinical evaluation showing severe dyspnea and pulmonary crackles Chest x-ray Sometimes serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal-pro BNP (NT-pro-BNP) ECG, cardiac markers, and other tests for etiology as needed A COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) exacerbation can mimic pulmonary edema due to LV failure or even that due to biventricular failure if cor pulmonale is present.