Compressive Forces and Computed Tomography–derived Positive End-expiratory Pressure in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

Lung recruitability and CT scan-derived PEEP are unrelated. To overcome the compressive forces and to lift up the thoracic cage, a similar PEEP level is required in higher and lower recruiters (16.8 ± 4 vs. 16.6 ± 5.6, P = 1).