[Acute respiratory distress syndrome].

Current literature on acute respiratory distress-syndrome (ARDS) is reviewed with characteristics of the terms "acute pulmonary lesion" and "ARDS". Clinical and x-ray classifications of ARDS are presented. Etiology and pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations and principles of current treatment are discussed. Use of mechanical ventilation of the lungs in ARDS patients is physiologically validated. Much attention is payed to application of natural and artificial surfactants.