ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of different levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on extravascular lung water and on lymphatic drainage through the thoracic duct during hydrostatic pulmonary edema.DesignRandomized, controlled, experimental study.SettingResearch laboratory of a tertiary care hospital.SubjectsEighteen beagle dogs weighing between 10 and 19 kg.InterventionsDogs were anesthetized and cannulated via a thoracic duct. Hydrostatic pulmonary edema was provoked by inflating the balloon of a Foley catheter in the left atrium. Different amounts of PEEP were applied.Measurements and Main ResultsExtravascular lung water was determined by the double indicator dilution method (indocyanine green in glucoside solution at 0 degrees C), and lymphatic drainage was measured every 30 mins. After a baseline measurement, the left atrial pressure was increased to 24 to 26 mm Hg, and measurements were recorded after 30, 60, 90, and 120 mins. The animals were divided into three groups. Group I (n = 6): PEEP of 20 cm H2O was instituted at 120 mins, and the other determinations were made without PEEP; group II (n = 7): PEEP of 10 cm H2O was instituted at 60 and 90 mins; group III (n = 5): PEEP of 20 cm H2O was instituted at 60 and 90 mins. Extravascular lung water increased after the increase of left atrial pressure in all three groups. After 90 mins, the extravascular lung water was significantly greater (p < .01) in group I (no PEEP application) at 21.2 +/- 5.1 mL/kg than in groups II and III (with 10 and 20 cm H2O of PEEP) at 12.8 +/- 2.01 and 14.8 +/- 4.8 mL/kg, respectively.Lymphatic drainage tended to increase over time in all three groups.Ninety minutes after the left atrial pressure increase, lymphatic drainage was significantly greater (p < .05) in group II, at 6.06 +/- 2.53 mL/kg/30 mins, than in group I, at 2.83 +/- 0.76 mL/kg/30 mins.Conclusionsa) The application of PEEP levels of between 10 and 20 cm H2O limits the increase of extravascular lung water in cases of hydrostatic pulmonary edema; and b) the application of 10 cm H2O of PEEP increases the lymphatic flow through the thoracic duct.(Crit Care Med 1996; 24:1562-1567)