The Role of CT-scan Studies for the Diagnosis and Therapy of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The authors have investigated ARDS using CT scanning for more than 20 years. The unique ability of CT scanning to provide a quantitative approach to observing the lung parenchyma has made it possible to understand better the pathophysiology of ARDS. The authors believe that today CT scanning, in addition to its use in research, may be an essential tool allowing a rational setting of mechanical ventilation in patients who have ARDS. The assessment of lung recruitability should guide a correct setting of PEEP. Moreover, the quantification of the portion of the lung open to ventilation should lead to the application of a safe tidal volume, without excessive alveolar strain. Future studies will investigate the efficacy of these approaches on outcome.