Karbing DS, et al. - Researchers undertook this preliminary analysis to examine the link between alterations in shunt, low and high ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, and computed tomography-measured lung aeration after a rise in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) among patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Overall 12 patients were subjected to recruitment maneuvers followed by setting PEEP at 5 and then either 15 or 20 cmH₂O. Via computed tomography, lung aeration was determined. According to the findings, improved lung aeration after a rise in PEEP was not always consistent with decreased shunt and V/Q mismatch. The reason for the presence of detrimental alterations in shunt and V/Q mismatch on increase in PEEP, despite enhanced aeration, in patients may be explained by poorly matched redistribution of ventilation and perfusion, between dependent and non-dependent areas of the lung.