PULMONARY FUNCTION FOLLOWING PULMONARY EMBOLIZATION

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Abstract
Pulmonary function studies were performed in 7 patients with pulmonary embolism. The vital capacity averaged 91% of predicted. The maximal midexpiratory flow rate and timed vital capacity were slightly reduced in 6 patients, some of whom also had a slight increase of the ratio of residual volume/ total lung capacity and a slight prolongation of the helium mixing time. However, airway resistance was measured in 3 of the patients and found to be normal. The single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (Dco) averaged 76%, and the steady state DCO was also normal or only slightly reduced in all cases. The arterial oxygen saturation was below 90% in 3 patients, and the lowest saturation found was 83%. The "gradients" of PCO2 between arterial blood and alveolar air were not markedly abnormal, and were diminished if the alveolar CO2 was taken at the end of a full expiration instead of at the end of a tidal volume. Lung compliance was low normal or slightly decreased in the 3 cases studied.