REGIONAL PULMONARY-FUNCTION IN SARCOIDOSIS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 58  (1) , 17-26
Abstract
In 26 subjects with a confirmed histological diagnosis of thoracic sarcoidosis, regional lung function was studied with Xe. All subjects underwent overall lung function studies including CO steady state (TCOSS) and single breath (TCOSB) diffusing capacity. Regional ventilation (.ovrhdot.Vr) was on the average increased in stages I (isolated hilar adenopathies) and II (pulmonary infiltration) and appeared normal in stage III (pulmonary fibrosis). Regional perfusion (.ovrhdot.Qr) was generally normal in stages I and II and decreased in stage III. There were no appreciable differences between average values in stage I and II. Abnormalities of .ovrhdot.Vr and .ovrhdot.Qr were frequently found in individual cases. A distinction was made between the total number of abnormalities and deficiency abnormalities. The total number of abnormalities was high in all 3 stages. Deficiency abnormalities were relatively rare in stages I and II, and frequent in stage III. The correlation between radiological and regional functional abnormalities was low. TCOSB/VA [alveolar ventilation] was significantly lower (P < 0.005) in subjects with regional deficiency abnormalities (mostly perfusion abnormalities). A lowered diffusing capacity may be due to the loss of pulmonary capillaries and not only to ventilation-perfusion disparities.

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