Extravascular lung water measurements in acute respiratory distress syndrome: why, how, and when?

Increase in pulmonary vascular permeability accompanied with accumulation of excess extravascular lung water (EVLW) is the hallmark of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Currently, EVLW and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) can be quantitatively measured using the transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) technique. We will clarify why, how, and when EVLW and PVPI measurements should be performed.

Although the Berlin criteria of ARDS are simple and widely used, several criticisms of them have been published. The last 2 decades have witnessed the introduction and evolution of the TPTD technique for measuring EVLW and PVPI. Several publications have recommended to evaluate EVLW and the PVPI during the treatment of critically ill patients. Accurate and objective diagnoses can be made for ARDS patients using EVLW and PVPI. EVLW more than 10 ml/kg is a reasonable criterion for pulmonary edema, and EVLW more than 15 ml/kg for a severe condition. In addition to EVLW more than 10 mL/kg, PVPI more than three suggests increased vascular permeability (i.e., ARDS), and PVPI less than 2 represent normal vascular permeability (i.e., cardiogenic pulmonary edema).

EVLW and PVPI measurement will open the door to future ARDS clinical practice and research, and have potential to be included in the future ARDS definition.