A novel interpretation of closing volume based on single-breath nitrogen washout curve simulation

Although closing volume is regarded as a clinical test for the early detection of peripheral airway closure, its grounds are not clear. There have been no simulation studies for phase IV in the single-breath nitrogen washout (SBNW) curve, even though several mathematical models for phase III have been proposed. We modeled the lung tissue deformation during slow expiration in which the tissue was regarded as a porous elastic body similar to a sponge. We assigned the maximum tissue density of lung parenchyma over which the lung tissue could not be contracted according to several experimental reports in literature. SBNW curves were then simulated by computing expired air volume and nitrogen concentration for respective acini in the lung model. The simulated SBNW curves well reproduced phase IV, cardiac oscillation, and its postural changes. We found that the higher lung compliance increased closing volume, but decreased residual volume. The smaller maximum tissue density generated larger closing volume and larger residual volume. It suggested that phase IV reflected the alveolar contractility, and the increase of closing volume in emphysema could be explained by an insufficient contraction of alveoli. We also found that the distribution of maximum tissue density affected the onset of Phase IV. A constant value of density generated a clear onset, but a wide distribution of it corresponding to peripheral airway closure obscured it. We suggest that the airway closure was not necessary for phase IV appearance in both normal and emphysematous lung.