Cardiopulmonary interactions in acute lung injury.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Through shared anatomy, pressures, and endothelial connections, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems affect each other in complex but clinically important ways.

RECENT FINDINGS: Lung injury has clinically important circulatory effects, especially with regards to right ventricular function. Mechanical ventilation and PEEP produce a host of circulatory consequences, some beneficial, some life-threatening. At the same time, circulatory impairments and treatments can magnify the impact of lung failure.

SUMMARY: Cardiopulmonary interactions underpin current views of fluid management and mechanical ventilation. Understanding cardiopulmonary interactions and their physiological basis has direct clinical relevance.