Correlation of thermodilution-derived extravascular lung water and ventilation/perfusion-compartments in a porcine model.

Purpose: This study examines the correlation between the transpulmonary thermodilution derived extravascular lung water content (EVLW) and the ventilation/perfusion-distribution ([Formula: see text]) measured by multiple inert gas elimination (MIGET) in a porcine model.

Methods: [Formula: see text] measured by micropore membrane inlet mass spectrometry-MIGET (MMIMS-MIGET) and EVLW were simultaneously measured in twelve pigs in the heathy state, with impaired gas exchange from repetitive lung lavage and after 3 h of ventilation. The relationship between [Formula: see text] compartments and EVLW was analysed by linear correlation and regression.

Results: Considerable increases in EVLW and [Formula: see text] mismatching were induced through the lavage procedure. Significant correlations between the EVLW and the [Formula: see text] fractions representing pulmonary shunt and low [Formula: see text] were found. Perfusion to the normal [Formula: see text] regions was inversely correlated to the EVLW.

Conclusions: Increased EVLW is associated with increased low [Formula: see text] and shunt, but not equal to pulmonary shunt alone. Beneath true shunt EVLW can also be associated with low [Formula: see text] regions.