• Jose Victor Jimenez, Andrew J Weirauch, Christopher A Culter, Philip J Choi, and Robert C Hyzy.
• Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
• Crit. Care Med. 2022 Aug 1; 50 (8): 121012231210-1223.

ObjectiveTo describe, through a narrative review, the physiologic principles underlying electrical impedance tomography, and its potential applications in managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To address the current evidence supporting its use in different clinical scenarios along the ARDS management continuum.Data SourcesWe performed an online search in Pubmed to review articles. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register, and clinicaltrials.gov for controlled trials databases.Study SelectionSelected publications included case series, pilot-physiologic studies, observational cohorts, and randomized controlled trials. To describe the rationale underlying physiologic principles, we included experimental studies.Data ExtractionData from relevant publications were reviewed, analyzed, and its content summarized.Data SynthesisElectrical impedance tomography is an imaging technique that has aided in understanding the mechanisms underlying multiple interventions used in ARDS management. It has the potential to monitor and predict the response to prone positioning, aid in the dosage of flow rate in high-flow nasal cannula, and guide the titration of positive-end expiratory pressure during invasive mechanical ventilation. The latter has been demonstrated to improve physiologic and mechanical parameters correlating with lung recruitment. Similarly, its use in detecting pneumothorax and harmful patient-ventilator interactions such as pendelluft has been proven effective. Nonetheless, its impact on clinically meaningful outcomes remains to be determined.ConclusionsElectrical impedance tomography is a potential tool for the individualized management of ARDS throughout its different stages. Clinical trials should aim to determine whether a specific approach can improve clinical outcomes in ARDS management.Copyright © 2022 by the Society of Critical Care Medicine and Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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