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Pulmonary capillary blood volume in emphysema
N J Morrison1, R T Abboud, N L Müller
1Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital, Canada.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) and diffusing capacity (DLCO) both decrease with emphysema severity. However, Vc did not improve the ability to distinguish emphysema presence compared to DLCO alone.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Emphysema significantly impacts lung function.
- Accurate assessment of emphysema is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between emphysema severity and pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc).
- To compare the diagnostic utility of Vc versus single breath diffusing capacity (DLCO) in assessing emphysema.
Main Methods:
- Single breath diffusing capacity (DLCO) and pulmonary capillary blood volume (Vc) were measured in 110 patients undergoing lung surgery evaluation.
- Emphysema severity was assessed through pathologic examination (n=55) and chest computed tomography (CT) (n=86).
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was observed between Vc and emphysema extent, similar to DLCO.
- Vc was significantly lower in patients with moderate and mild emphysema compared to those with no emphysema.
- Vc did not offer improved discrimination of emphysema compared to DLCO.
Conclusions:
- Both DLCO and Vc are reduced in emphysema.
- Vc determination does not enhance the differentiation of emphysema compared to DLCO.