PARTIAL LIQUID VENTILATION WITH PERFLUBRON DURING EXTRACORPOREAL LIFE-SUPPORT IN ADULTS - RADIOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE

PURPOSE: To describe the radiographic appearance of perflubron-filled lungs during partial liquid ventilation (PLV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Supine chest radiographs (391 anteroposterior, 154 lateral radiographs ) were obtained before and after daily perflubron instillation in 13 a dults undergoing PLV who were receiving extracorporeal life support. P erflubron distribution, barotrauma, and inability to discern catheters were evaluated. RESULTS: Immediately after instillation of perflubron , opacification of more than two-thirds of the lungs was shown in 12 o f 13 patients. A gravity-dependent distribution of perflubron was show n on 146 (95%) of 154 lateral radiographs. Perflubron gradually cleare d until it filled less than one-third of the lungs 6.8 days later (ran ge, 2-20 days). In the five survivors, minimal perflubron was visible up to 138 days. In five patients, perflubron increased the visibility of small pneumothoraces present before PLV. Location of intrathoracic catheters was obscured on 44 radiographs. CONCLUSION: Perflubron symme trically opacifies the lungs in a gravity-dependent distribution durin g PLV and clears to minimal levels within 3 weeks.