Transpulmonary thermodilution curves for detection of shunt.

PURPOSE

Monitoring using transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) via a single thermal indicator technique allows measurement of cardiac output, extravascular lung water (EVLW) and volumetric variables.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This report describes two cases of systemic-venous circulation shunt generating early recirculation of thermal indicator with overestimation of EVLW.

CONCLUSION

In the case of recirculation of thermal indicator, the observed overestimated EVLW in absence of gas exchanges abnormality could be an indicator suggesting the search for a circulatory shunt.