ALTE
Pronunciation: AL-tee
Also written as: ALTE — Apparent Life-Threatening Event
Apparent life-threatening event, an episode that is frightening to the observer and characterized by some combination of apnea, color change, marked change in muscle tone, choking, or gagging.
Full Definition
Apparent life-threatening event (ALTE) is a clinical term describing an episode in an infant that appears life-threatening to the caregiver, characterized by some combination of apnea, color change (cyanosis or pallor), marked change in muscle tone (limpness or rigidity), and choking or gagging. These events often prompt emergency medical evaluation and may require imaging studies to identify underlying causes such as gastroesophageal reflux, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, or child abuse. The term has largely been replaced by 'brief resolved unexplained event' (BRUE) in recent medical literature to provide more specific diagnostic criteria. Radiological evaluation may include chest X-rays, upper GI series, or neuroimaging depending on the clinical presentation.
Usage
Usage note: Being replaced by BRUE (Brief Resolved Unexplained Event) in modern practice. Use current institutional terminology.
In Context
- "The infant presented to the emergency department following an ALTE witnessed by the parents." — Emergency medicine documentation
- "Upper GI series was performed to evaluate for reflux as a cause of recurrent ALTE." — Pediatric radiology order