Lung re-aeration assessment by ultrasound during mechanical ventilation: Current knowledge of literature review.

Abstract

Lung collapse, commonly associated with conditions such as atelectasis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, significantly impairs gas exchange and respiratory function. Monitoring lung re-aeration is therefore crucial in evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, including non-invasive ventilation, invasive mechanical ventilation, and physiotherapy, which aim to restore lung volume and improve respiratory efficiency. Lung re-aeration involves two key physiological processes such as recruitment and inflation. Both mechanisms improve lung compliance and optimize ventilation-perfusion matching, improving overall respiratory function. LUS has emerged as a promising alternative for assessing lung aeration, supporting its feasibility in detecting and tracking lung re-aeration across various clinical scenarios, and providing real-time insights into lung recruitment and inflation. This review integrates current evidence on the physiological mechanisms of lung collapse and the clinical applications of ultrasound as a tool for monitoring lung re-aeration, highlighting its potential to optimize respiratory management in critically ill patients.