Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) allows for the assessment of lung volume distribution. In image A, a right basal consolidation is identified. In image B, 3 panels are shown. Panel #1 shows changes in compliance after 18h of prone positioning (PP). Panel #2, corresponding to PP, shows an increase in volume of up to 20% in ROI #3 vs ROI #3 from panel #3, which represents the supine position (SP), where it drops down to 6%. During the change in position, the consolidated area shifts (ROI #1 PP, and ROI #3 SP). Panel C shows a more homogeneous volume distribution in PP. This observed phenomenon can be compared to what was reported by Gattinoni et al., termed “sponge lung,” where lung opacities redistribute from the dorsal to the ventral region (Fig. 1).

Figure 1

(0.33MB).