Detection methods of extravascular lung water and application in critical illness: a narrative review

Abstract

Purpose: To provide a conceptual and clinical review of Monitoring of Extravascular lung water (EVLW). Methods and results: Peer-reviewed articles were identified through searches of PubMed using the terms “Extravascular lung water”. The reference lists of these articles and relevant review were also reviewed. Final references were selected for inclusion in the review on the basis of their relevance. Conclusion: Monitoring of EVLW is the most direct and quantitative indicator of the degree of response to pulmonary edema. There are currently two alternatives for detecting EVLW, invasive and noninvasive methods. Any reduction in EVLW can reduce the time spent in ICU. EVLW should be monitored to aid diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the patients with severe disease.

Keywords:

• Extravascular lung water
• detection methods
• application
• critical illness
• review

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Marion Barnett from University of Auckland for his assistance with the English language.

Declaration of interest

We have no potential conflict of interest.