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Density detection in dependent left lung region using transesophageal echocardiography
1Intensive Care Unit, University of Hirosaki School of Medicine, Aomori-ken, Japan. tsubo@cc.hirosaki-u.ac.jp
Anesthesiology
|June 5, 2001
Summary
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can estimate lung densities in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. TEE accurately identifies dependent lung densities and monitors changes with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Dependent lung densities impair oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Computed tomography (CT) is typically used to identify these lung densities.
- This study investigates transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as an alternative method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of TEE in estimating dependent lung densities in ARDS patients.
- To compare TEE-derived density measurements with CT findings.
- To assess the impact of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on lung densities using TEE.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients with acute lung injury or ARDS underwent both CT and TEE.
- TEE was used to detect densities in the lower left lung via the descending aorta.
- Density areas from TEE were compared to CT measurements, and the effect of PEEP was analyzed.
Main Results:
- TEE measurements of dependent lung density areas showed significant correlation with CT findings (P < 0.01).
- A significant correlation was found between PaO2/FiO2 ratio and TEE-estimated density areas (P < 0.05).
- Application of PEEP led to a decrease in TEE-measured density areas and improved PaO2.
Conclusions:
- TEE is a viable method for estimating dependent lung density areas in patients with ARDS.
- TEE can effectively monitor changes in lung densities during mechanical ventilation with PEEP.