[Extracorporeal circulation and respiratory distress syndrome in adults]

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome account in about 2% of open heart operated patients. Pathophysiologic and pathologic concepts are commented and the three stages of the syndrome are exposed. Cardiopulmonary bypass induces a secuestration of polimorphonuclear granulocytes into the pulmonary capillary membrane, and this cells in special situations, can produce pulmonary edema. The study, in early stages of the cardiac operations, of certain granulocyte-produced mediators could be a predictor of postoperative pulmonary distress syndrome.