Respiratory Mechanics and Pleural Effusion

Estimation of Respiratory Mechanics (Respiratory System, Chest Wall and Lung Elastance) and Pleural Effusion at the Bedside With CT Scan.

The investigators aim to compare the respiratory mechanics in acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory diseases syndrome (ARDS) patients with and without pleural effusion.

In ALI/ARDS we evaluated the respiratory mechanics (respiratory system, chest wall and lung elastance) at the bedside while pleural effusion was evaluated with CT scan. Thus we will be able to estimate any possible role of pleural effusion on the respiratory mechanics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ALI/ARDS patients underwent invasive mechanical ventilation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Haemodynamic instability
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients